Speakers - 2026

Title: Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (hilt) on hemiplegic shoulder pain in post-stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Hemiplegic shoulder pain is a common and disabling complication following stroke, frequently leading to prolonged rehabilitation, reduced functional recovery, and decreased quality of life. Various conservative interventions have been proposed, yet optimal non-invasive pain management strategies remain uncertain. High-intensity laser therapy has emerged as a promising physical modality in neurorehabilitation; however, its clinical effectiveness in hemiplegic shoulder pain has not been comprehensively synthesized.

This presentation reports the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in post-stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PEDro was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials published through December 2025. Studies comparing high-intensity laser therapy with conventional exercise or other physical therapy interventions were included.

Five randomized controlled trials involving 213 patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated that high-intensity laser therapy significantly reduced shoulder pain intensity compared with control interventions. Additionally, meaningful improvements were observed in shoulder function and abduction range of motion. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings after addressing heterogeneity.

The results highlight high-intensity laser therapy as an effective adjunctive intervention for managing hemiplegic shoulder pain in stroke rehabilitation. This presentation will discuss the clinical implications of these findings, potential mechanisms of action, and considerations for integrating high-intensity laser therapy into routine neurorehabilitation practice.

What will the audience take away?

• Evidence-based understanding of high-intensity laser therapy for hemiplegic shoulder pain.
• Quantified effects of laser therapy on pain, function, and range of motion.
• Practical considerations for implementing laser therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
• Awareness of current evidence gaps and research needs.

How can the audience use this information?

• Clinicians will be able to apply these findings when selecting adjunctive rehabilitation modalities for stroke patients with shoulder pain, while researchers can use the synthesized evidence to guide future clinical trials and rehabilitation protocols.

How will this help the audience in their job?

• This review provides clinicians with a clear, evidence-based rationale for incorporating high-intensity laser therapy into post-stroke rehabilitation programs, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing pain related disability.