Uso de laserterapia em auriculoterapia no tratamento da dor: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

Introduction: Auriculotherapy is a technique based on stimuli performed in the ear, which generate neuromodulation effects that can stimulate the release of endogenous peptides, such as endorphins, which may be related to pain relief. Among the forms of stimulation in auriculotherapy, there is the Low Intensity Laser, a non-invasive method that stimulates the auricular points through photobiomodulation. Objective: To analyze the scientific production on the use of laser therapy in auriculotherapy for the treatment of pain, in terms of detailing the conduct of studies, use of the technique and its results in the population evaluated. Methods: Scope review, conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, carried out between September and October 2023, in the Medline, Lilacs, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science databases, in addition to two gray literature databases. The guiding question followed the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) strategy: “What evidence is available in the literature regarding the application of laser therapy in auriculotherapy for the treatment of pain?”. The studies were selected using inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data were reported using the PRISMAScR checklist extension and the protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework at DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/F6WMQ. Results: Nine studies were selected, seven of which were randomized clinical trials; a prospective observational study; and a clinical trial and were organized, among others, the authorship, type of study, year, population studied, types of laser and the criteria used to evaluate pain. There were numerous differences in the technical parameters of the lasers. The Shen Men ear point was used in all studies. The analgesic effect from laser photobiomodulation in auriculotherapy was positive in most studies; in one study did not verify the effectiveness of laser for pain relief. Conclusion: this review evaluated nine studies, demonstrating a lack of literature on the use of laser in auriculotherapy. There were divergences between the types of lasers and their parameters and a lack of information that would allow comparing intensities. However, statistical significance was observed in the pain relief results through the use of photobiomodulation.