Effectiveness of photobiomodulation and resistive exercise on cartilage tissue in osteoarthritic rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of a resistive training and Photobiomodulation (PBM) on cartilage tissue in an experimental model of knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Forty male Wistar rats (weigh, ± 150g) were distributed into 4 groups. Treatments were performed for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week). The specimens were evaluated by histology, OARSI, morphometric and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results showed that the interventions were able to modulate the degenerative process reacted to OA. Exercised animals (with or without PBM) demonstrated lower values for OARSI and lower expression of IL-1β, caspase-3, MMP-13. Furthermore, animals treated with the associated treatments presented significantly decrease in the density of chondrocytes. Resistive exercise training modulated the morphological alterations and inflammatory process related to the OA progression. However, PBM isolated have not produce extra effects on the variables evaluated.