Clinical Research Directory

Participants will lie supine while receiving high-power laser therapy (1064 nm wavelength, 150 mJ max pulse energy, 6 W average power, 760 mJ/cm² frequency, \<150 ms pulse duration). A pulsed waveform (5000 W/cm², 1 W output, 0.2 cm² spot size) will be applied perpendicularly to acupuncture points for 30 s (×3), totaling 15 min/session. Sessions: 3×/week for 4 weeks. Paced respiration exercises will also be performed for 15 min/session over the same period.

Participants assigned to the placebo group will receive sham high-power laser therapy following the same treatment protocol used in the active intervention group, including identical positioning, probe placement, session duration, and frequency. The laser device will appear operational; however, it will be switched off during application and will not emit therapeutic laser energy. Sessions will last 15 minutes, three times per week, for four consecutive weeks.

All participants in both groups will perform paced respiration exercises during each treatment session. The exercise will consist of slow, controlled breathing at a predetermined rhythm, emphasizing diaphragmatic inhalation and prolonged exhalation. Breathing cycles will be guided verbally or by timing cues to maintain a consistent rate throughout the 15-minute session. The exercise will be performed three times per week for four consecutive weeks under supervision.