Abstract / Summary
Background: Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is associated with persistent functional impairment and reduced quality of life. This study evaluated the association between the addition of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and deep oscillation (DO) to structured pulmonary rehabilitation and changes in health-related quality-of-life and functional outcomes in patients with clinically stable PTLD. Methods: In this prospective, controlled, non-randomized study, 65 patients completed an eight-week program. The study group (SG; n= 33) received structured kinesiotherapy plus LLLT and DO, while the control group (CG; n= 32) received the same kinesiotherapy alone. Between-group effects were assessed using baseline-adjusted ANCOVA with HC3 robust standard errors and Benjamini–Hochberg correction. Results: Greater improvements were observed in the combined-intervention group across all prespecified outcomes (all q < 0.001). Adjusted between-group differences were 6.46 points (95% CI 5.73–7.19) for EUROHIS-QOL-8, 8.86 (7.39–10.33) for WHOQOL-BREF physical health, 14.69 m (10.57–18.81) for 6MWD, −0.62 s (−0.94 to −0.30) for TUG, −1.04 (−1.29 to −0.79) for mMRC, and −2.21 (−2.63 to −1.79) for Borg CR10. Conclusions: Adjunctive LLLT and DO were associated with greater improvements in quality-of-life and functional outcomes than kinesiotherapy alone. Given the non-randomized design and the combined administration of the two adjunctive modalities, these findings should be interpreted as associative and require confirmation in randomized, sham-controlled trials.