Monochromatic Light Therapy in Medical Rehabilitation of Frequently Ill Children
Study Objective: To provide a scientific rationale for using monochromatic light therapy in the medical rehabilitation of frequently ill children. Study Design: This was a randomized, prospective study. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 pediatric patients, aged 4 to 15, who had frequent acute respiratory diseases (ARD). Of these, 30 children were included in the main group that received a course of monochromatic light therapy (monochromatic polarized light produced by a Bioptron device). Another 30 children were included in the control group, which did not receive physical therapy. The study methods included rhinoscopy, pharyngoscopy, cardiointervalography (an analysis of the heart rate variability), computer-based measurement of peak expiratory flow rate, psychological testing, and incidence assessment. Study Results: This study showed that monochromatic light therapy improved the clinical course of the disease and bronchial-airflow parameters. Also, this treatment was shown to be beneficial for patients' psychological make-up and the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. With this course of monochromatic light therapy, the disease's duration shortened and the frequency of repeated ARD episodes was lessened. Conclusion: This study showed that monochromatic light therapy, using the Bioptron device, should be included in a combination rehabilitation regimen for frequently ill children.