The purpose of this study is to determine whether low level laser therapy is effective in the reduction of foot pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
It is the goal of the current double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of the Erchonia FX-635 which emits (3) 635nm red diodes, for providing temporary reduction of foot pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
30
The Erchonia® FX-635™ is made up of 3 independent 17 mW, 635 nm red laser diodes that are applied for 15 minutes to each foot. The diodes are positioned around the foot such that each of the 3 laser lights is positioned between 3 and 4 inches away from, but directed toward: a) the top of the foot (dorsal aspect); b) the bottom of the foot (plantar aspect); and c) the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. The laser diodes laze each of these 3 areas for 15 minutes simultaneously. Each subject receives 12 total procedure administrations with the Erchonia® FX-635™ across the consecutive 6-week procedure administration phase, 2 procedure administrations per week, each procedure administration approximately evenly spaced.
The Placebo Laser has the same appearance as the Erchonia® FX-635™ but does not emit any therapeutic light. It is applied for 15 minutes to each foot. The diodes are positioned around the foot such that each of the 3 laser lights is positioned between 3 and 4 inches away from, but directed toward: a) the top of the foot (dorsal aspect); b) the bottom of the foot (plantar aspect); and c) the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. The laser diodes laze each of these 3 areas for 15 minutes simultaneously. Each subject receives 12 total procedure administrations with the Erchonia® FX-635™ across the consecutive 6-week procedure administration phase, 2 procedure administrations per week, each procedure administration approximately evenly spaced.
Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians
Mesa, Arizona, United States
Midleton Foot Clinic
Midleton, Co. Cork, Ireland
Number of Participants With a 30% or Greater Change in Pain Rating on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from baseline to endpoint (6 weeks) measurement is calculated for each subject. Individual subject success is defined as a 30% or greater change in VAS pain scores across the evaluation period. A negative (-) percent change indicates a decrease in pain level and is positive for individual subject success. A lower Visual Analog Scale pain score from baseline to study endpoint represents a better outcome, whereas a higher score from baseline to study endpoint represents a worse outcome. For the primary study outcome, the overall study success is defined as a 35% or greater difference between the proportion (number) of individual successes in each treatment group.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Change in Pain Rating on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assesses level or degree of pain. It is a horizontal line anchored on the left by the label '0: no pain at all' and on the right by the label '100: worst pain imaginable'. The subject marks a location on the 0-100 line that appears to represent any level of pain he or she is experiencing at that time. This marking is measured with a 0 to 100 mm ruler and the number recorded. A lower Visual Analog Scale pain score from baseline to study endpoint represents a better outcome, whereas a higher score from baseline to study endpoint represents a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
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