Light therapy eases stroke stiffness and boosts walking

This study tested whether low-level laser therapy (a painless light treatment) could reduce muscle stiffness and improve walking in 18 people who had a stroke more than a year ago. Participants received either laser plus physiotherapy or physiotherapy alone for three weeks. Both groups improved, but the laser group had greater reductions in ankle stiffness and better walking quality. The findings suggest laser therapy may be a helpful addition to standard rehab for chronic stroke patients.