The 3 intervention protocols were applied by a researcher experienced
in using the tested therapies and blinded to the data acquisition and
data analysis. LLLT was administered twice a week over a period of
8 weeks, with a minimum interval of 48 h between sessions. A THOR
DD2 Control Unit, comprising an infrared gallium-aluminium-arsenide
(GaAlAs) diode laser probe (λ = 810 nm, continuous wave, 200 mW
output power, 0.0364 cm2 spot size area, and 0.218 J/cm2 power density)
(THOR®, London, UK), was used for the laser application. The
laser was applied while the probe was held stationary and perpendicular
to the skin, and light pressure was applied to 3 anteromedial and 3
anterolateral points over the intercondylar notch (8, 13).