Photomedicine Project 14: PBMT for Performance Enhancement in SOF (SOF)

Assessing the Impact of Post-Exercise Photobiomodulation Application on Performance, Recovery, and Behavioral State in Trained Special Operator Population

Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery, and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a low-level laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent avenue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects of a systematic application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups with focal PBMT application as compared to placebo. Further, PBMT research in healthy military tactical athletes is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. The investigators aim to study the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators.

The Intent: The investigators propose to conduct a single-blinded randomized-control trial with sham control to investigate the effectiveness of providing PBMT post physical training in a SOF population.

The specific aims of this study are to:

1. Analyze and describe the physiologic effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training.
2. Analyze and describe the behavioral effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training.
3. Evaluate the overall clinical utility of focal PBMT subsequent to physical training in a US Army SOF, tactical athlete population.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Low-Level Laser Therapy; Photobiomodulation Therapy; Performance Enhancement; Photomedicine; Quadriceps; Special Operations Readiness
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: THOR3 training + sham PBMT; Device: THOR3 training + Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT)

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 29
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Washington
    • Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, United States, 98433
      • Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active-Duty Special Forces Personnel (18-series)
• Able to read and understand English language for consent purposes
• Able to commit to study intervention and follow-up
• Able to participate in THOR3 coach-lead training, without restriction

Exclusion Criteria:

• Obese (body fat > 25%)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Use of select medications (e.g., statins, diuretics, hypertensive agents)
• Female
• Tattoo in treatment area (body region)
• Diagnosis with porphyria (light induced allergy) or photosensitive eczema
• Current use of medications associated with sensitivity to heat or light (e.g., amiodarone, chlorpromazine, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, nalidixic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, tetracycline, thioridazine, voriconazole)
• Use of pacemaker/underlying cardiac disease
• Diagnosed with autoimmune disease(s)
• Albinism
• Peripheral Neuropathy

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Sham Comparator: Sham PBMT; The inclusion of sham PBMT will ensure all participant treatment procedures remain the same, with the exception of emission of photons (active treatment), thus, allowing for contribution of any differences between groups to be credited to the use of PBMT.	Device: THOR3 training + sham PBMT; Sham PBMT will be provided by a trained study team member. Sham PBMT will be delivered in the same manner as indicated for the PBMT process above, but the device will stay in standby mode (i.e., the treatment mode will not be turned on). As infrared light is invisible to the naked eye, the only visible difference between treatment and standby modes is the presence of a few tiny amber lights (these lights are on during treatment mode).; Other Names: THOR3 training + placebo
Active Comparator: Photobiomodulation Treatment (PBMT); PBMT will be delivered at 40 watts (W). PBMT will be applied to the quadriceps area. A study team member will use the quadriceps measurements of the treatment area to calculate the PBMT treatment time (approximately 5-20 minutes) and specified J/cm2. PBMT treatment will be provided 3 times per week, for 3 weeks.	Device: THOR3 training + Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT); PBMT will be delivered at 40W (depending on participant skin pigmentation). PBMT will be applied to the quadriceps area. A study team member will use the quadriceps measurements of the treatment area to calculate the PBMT treatment time (approximately 5-20 minutes) and specified J/cm2. PBMT treatment will be provided 3 times per week, for 3 weeks. PBMT will be delivered by a trained study team member using the LightForce® XLi 40W device with the Smart Hand Piece technology, which has a built-in accelerometer in the hand piece that controls the speed of light delivery to the treatment area. The trained team members will use the Smart Hand Piece technology, which assesses the operator's speed and provides real-time visual and sensory feedback calibrated to shut-off when moving too slowly and warns the operator when moving too quickly by vibrating. Treatment is delivered through a flexible optical fiber threaded through the hand piece, which contains a rolling glass massage ball.; Other Names: Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT); LightForce® XLi

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Concentric Impulse	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including concentric impulse via force plates and analysis software.	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Movement Start to Peak Power.	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Movement start to peak power. via force plates and analysis software.	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) via force plates and analysis software. Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) reflects the efficiency of force production during a countermovement jump. It is calculated as jump height divided by time to take-off. Higher values indicate better explosive performance and lower neuromuscular fatigue, whereas lower values indicate reduced efficiency or increased fatigue. The index ranges from 0 upward with no theoretical maximum; therefore, interpretation should rely on normative ranges or athlete-specific baselines. Reference categories: Lower performers (L): ~0.20-0.30 Moderate performers (M): ~0.30-0.45 Upper performers (U): ~0.45-0.70+	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Time to Take-Off	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Time to Take-Off via force plates and analysis software.	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Concentric Impulse	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including concentric impulse via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Movement Start to Peak Power	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Movement Start to peak Power via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) via force plates and analysis software. Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) reflects the efficiency of force production during a countermovement jump. It is calculated as jump height divided by time to take-off. Higher values indicate better explosive performance and lower neuromuscular fatigue, whereas lower values indicate reduced efficiency or increased fatigue. The index ranges from 0 upward with no theoretical maximum; therefore, interpretation should rely on normative ranges or athlete-specific baselines. Reference categories: Lower performers (L): ~0.20-0.30 Moderate performers (M): ~0.30-0.45 Upper performers (U): ~0.45-0.70+	Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Time to Take-Off	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Time to Take-Off via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Concentric Impulse	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including concentric impulse via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Movement Start to Peak Power	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including peak force production via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) via force plates and analysis software. Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) reflects the efficiency of force production during a countermovement jump. It is calculated as jump height divided by time to take-off. Higher values indicate better explosive performance and lower neuromuscular fatigue, whereas lower values indicate reduced efficiency or increased fatigue. The index ranges from 0 upward with no theoretical maximum; therefore, interpretation should rely on normative ranges or athlete-specific baselines. Reference categories: Lower performers (L): ~0.20-0.30 Moderate performers (M): ~0.30-0.45 Upper performers (U): ~0.45-0.70+	Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Time to Take-Off	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Time to Take-Off via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Concentric Impulse	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including concentric impulse via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Movement Start to Peak Power	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including peak force production via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) via force plates and analysis software. Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod) reflects the efficiency of force production during a countermovement jump. It is calculated as jump height divided by time to take-off. Higher values indicate better explosive performance and lower neuromuscular fatigue, whereas lower values indicate reduced efficiency or increased fatigue. The index ranges from 0 upward with no theoretical maximum; therefore, interpretation should rely on normative ranges or athlete-specific baselines. Reference categories: Lower performers (L): ~0.20-0.30 Moderate performers (M): ~0.30-0.45 Upper performers (U): ~0.45-0.70+	Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Time to Take-Off	Assesses dynamic strength performance, including Time to Take-Off via force plates and analysis software.	Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Isometric Quadriceps Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isometric Hamstrings Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque.	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isokinetic Quadriceps Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isokinetic Hamstrings Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isometric Quadriceps Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Isometric Hamstrings Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque.	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Isokinetic Quadriceps Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Isokinetic Hamstrings Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque	Measuring isolated strength (Peak Torque).	Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Defense and Veteran's Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) Initial Baseline	Captures subjective pain rating on a 0 - 10 scale (minimum - maximum; 0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain). Higher scores equal worse outcomes.	Self-reported at baseline
Defense and Veteran's Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) Daily Reports	Captures subjective pain rating on a 0 - 10 scale (minimum - maximum; 0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain). Higher scores equals worse outcomes. Calculation for this timepoint was dervied from averaging all daily pain scores into an aggregate value.	Self-reported, daily after baseline through study completion after 3 weeks.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Initial Baseline	Measures delayed onset muscle soreness. Respondents mark on a 10 centimeter line their current level of muscle soreness. The left end of the line represents "I feel no soreness in my muscles" and the right end represents "My muscles feel so sore, I don't want to move them." Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores equaling worse outcomes.	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Week 1 Follow-up	Measures delayed onset muscle soreness. Respondents mark on a 10 centimeter line their current level of muscle soreness. The left end of the line represents "I feel no soreness in my muscles" and the right end represents "My muscles feel so sore, I don't want to move them." Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores equaling worse outcomes.	Collected at the end of week 1 after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Week 2 Follow-up	Measures delayed onset muscle soreness. Respondents mark on a 10 centimeter line their current level of muscle soreness. The left end of the line represents "I feel no soreness in my muscles" and the right end represents "My muscles feel so sore, I don't want to move them." Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores equaling worse outcomes.	Collected at the end of week 2 after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Week 3 Follow-up	Measures delayed onset muscle soreness. Respondents mark on a 10 centimeter line their current level of muscle soreness. The left end of the line represents "I feel no soreness in my muscles" and the right end represents "My muscles feel so sore, I don't want to move them." Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores equaling worse outcomes.	Collected at the end of week 3 after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Borg Modified Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Initial Baseline	Quantifying perceived exertion on 0-10 scale. Higher scores indicate worse outcomes.	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment
Borg Modified Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) 3-week Follow-up	Quantifying perceived exertion on 0-10 scale. Higher scores indicate worse outcomes.	Collected at the 3-week follow-up session after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Elloumi Fatigue Scale Initial Baseline	Behavioral health rating of fatigue. The short questionnaire of fatigue uses eight questions that highlight perception of training difficulty, sleep, leg discomfort, infection/colds, concentration, work efficacy, anxiety and overall stress. Each question is rated by the respondent on a 7-point scale: 1 point (not at all) to 7 points (very much). The summed total score of the 8 questions allows for a total score of fatigue (TSF). Total score of fatigue ranges from 8 points (not at all fatigued) to 56 points (very much fatigued).	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Elloumi Fatigue Scale 3-week Follow-up	Behavioral health rating of fatigue. The short questionnaire of fatigue uses eight questions that highlight perception of training difficulty, sleep, leg discomfort, infection/colds, concentration, work efficacy, anxiety and overall stress. Each question is rated by the respondent on a 7-point scale: 1 point (not at all) to 7 points (very much). The summed total score of the 8 questions allows for a total score of fatigue (TSF). Total score of fatigue ranges from 8 points (not at all fatigued) to 56 points (very much fatigued).	Collected at the 3-week follow-up session after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Quick Physical Activity Rating Scale (QPAR)	Higher scores indicate better outcome. Scaled rating of various types of physical activity participation. Respondent reporting quantifies the overall amount of physical activity that the respondent regularly engages in. Activities are weighted in intensity that ranges from 1 (light) to 3 (heavy). Activity weekly frequency reported as never (0 days), seldom (1-2 days), sometime (3-4 days), and often (5-7 days). Activity duration collected as less than one hour per day, 1-2 hours per day, and more than two hours per day. Intensity (1-3), frequency (0-3) and duration (1-3) scores are multiplied and provide a physical activity score that may range from 0 - 153 points, 0 being very low physical activity and 153 representing very high physical activity.	Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Duration	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including duration of sleep. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily sleep scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Time in Bed	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including time spent in bed. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Light Sleep Length	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including duration of light sleep stage. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Length	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including duration of REM sleep stage. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Deep Sleep Length	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including duration of deep sleep stage (seconds). Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Latency	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including sleep latency (time taken to fall asleep in seconds). Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Efficiency Percentage	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including sleep efficiency percentage (time spent in bed asleep). Higher percentages are better. 0-100. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Quality Score	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of sleep, including sleep quality score. Scores range from 0-100 with higher scores being better outcomes. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Body Temperature Changes	Oura Ring will continuously measure changes in body temperature. Oura calculates body-temperature readiness by measuring average skin temperature during sleep, comparing it to long-term baseline, and reporting the difference as a positive or negative deviation. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Data: Readiness Trends - Daily Heart Rate	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of physical readiness trends, including changes in heart rate. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Heart Rate Variability (HRV)	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of physical readiness trends, including HRV - a measure of the fluctuation in the time intervals between adjacent heartbeats. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Respiration Rate	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of physical readiness trends, including respiratory rate. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Blood Oxygen Saturation	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of physical readiness trends, including blood oxygen saturation. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Sleep Balance	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of physical readiness trends, including sleep balance- a measure of how consistent nightly total sleep duration is compared to baseline, reported on a 0-100 scale where higher means sleep length is closely matched night-to-night. Scores near 100 indicate very stable sleep duration that supports recovery; 60-80 indicates moderate variability that may mildly reduce readiness; scores below ~60 reflect inconsistent sleep duration likely to lower Readiness. Higher scores are better outcomes. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Readiness Score	Oura Ring will continuously measure aspects of physical readiness trends, including readiness score. The score ranges from 0-100, higher scores indicate better outcomes. Calculation for this measure was dervied from averaging all daily scores into an aggregate value.	Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Body Measurements: Body Composition (% Body Fat)	Biometrics	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: Height (Inches)	Biometrics	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: Weight (Lbs)	Biometrics	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: C1 - Proximal Thigh Circumference (cm)	Biometrics - used to calculate PBMT dosage	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: C2 - Distal Thigh Circumference (cm)	Biometrics - used to calculate PBMT dosage	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: L1 - Length of Thigh (cm)	Biometrics - used to calculate PBMT dosage	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Body Measurements: Height (cm)	Biometrics	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: Weight (kg/lbs)	Biometrics	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: Body composition (% body fat)	Biometrics	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: C1 - proximal thigh circumference (cm)	Biometrics - used to calculate PBMT dosage	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: C2 - distal thigh circumference (cm)	Biometrics - used to calculate PBMT dosage	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Body Measurements: L1 - length of thigh (cm)	Biometrics - used to calculate PBMT dosage	Measured prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness
• Collaborators: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; The Geneva Foundation; 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), United States Army; United States Army Special Operations Command
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Tanner Santarelli, DPT, 1st Special Forces Group Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3)

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Ferraresi C, Dos Santos RV, Marques G, Zangrande M, Leonaldo R, Hamblin MR, Bagnato VS, Parizotto NA. Light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) before matches prevents increase in creatine kinase with a light dose response in volleyball players. Lasers Med Sci. 2015 May;30(4):1281-7. doi: 10.1007/s10103-015-1728-3. Epub 2015 Feb 27.
• Pinto HD, Vanin AA, Miranda EF, Tomazoni SS, Johnson DS, Albuquerque-Pontes GM, Aleixo IO Junior, Grandinetti VD, Casalechi HL, de Carvalho PT, Leal-Junior EC. Photobiomodulation Therapy Improves Performance and Accelerates Recovery of High-Level Rugby Players in Field Test: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. J Strength Cond Res. 2016 Dec;30(12):3329-3338. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001439.
• Faul F, Erdfelder E, Lang AG, Buchner A. G*Power 3: a flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behav Res Methods. 2007 May;39(2):175-91. doi: 10.3758/bf03193146.
• Hamblin MR. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clin. 2016 Oct 1;6:113-124. doi: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002. eCollection 2016 Dec.
• de Oliveira AR, Vanin AA, Tomazoni SS, Miranda EF, Albuquerque-Pontes GM, De Marchi T, Dos Santos Grandinetti V, de Paiva PRV, Imperatori TBG, de Carvalho PTC, Bjordal JM, Leal-Junior ECP. Pre-Exercise Infrared Photobiomodulation Therapy (810 nm) in Skeletal Muscle Performance and Postexercise Recovery in Humans: What Is the Optimal Power Output? Photomed Laser Surg. 2017 Nov;35(11):595-603. doi: 10.1089/pho.2017.4343.
• Antonialli FC, De Marchi T, Tomazoni SS, Vanin AA, dos Santos Grandinetti V, de Paiva PR, Pinto HD, Miranda EF, de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho P, Leal-Junior EC. Phototherapy in skeletal muscle performance and recovery after exercise: effect of combination of super-pulsed laser and light-emitting diodes. Lasers Med Sci. 2014 Nov;29(6):1967-76. doi: 10.1007/s10103-014-1611-7. Epub 2014 Jun 19.
• Leal Junior EC, Lopes-Martins RA, Baroni BM, De Marchi T, Rossi RP, Grosselli D, Generosi RA, de Godoi V, Basso M, Mancalossi JL, Bjordal JM. Comparison between single-diode low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and LED multi-diode (cluster) therapy (LEDT) applications before high-intensity exercise. Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Aug;27(4):617-23. doi: 10.1089/pho.2008.2350.
• Vieira WH, Ferraresi C, Perez SE, Baldissera V, Parizotto NA. Effects of low-level laser therapy (808 nm) on isokinetic muscle performance of young women submitted to endurance training: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2012 Mar;27(2):497-504. doi: 10.1007/s10103-011-0984-0. Epub 2011 Aug 26.
• Baroni BM, Leal Junior EC, De Marchi T, Lopes AL, Salvador M, Vaz MA. Low level laser therapy before eccentric exercise reduces muscle damage markers in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 Nov;110(4):789-96. doi: 10.1007/s00421-010-1562-z. Epub 2010 Jul 3.
• Dornelles MP, Fritsch CG, Sonda FC, Johnson DS, Leal-Junior ECP, Vaz MA, Baroni BM. Photobiomodulation therapy as a tool to prevent hamstring strain injuries by reducing soccer-induced fatigue on hamstring muscles. Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Aug;34(6):1177-1184. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-02709-w. Epub 2019 Jan 3.
• Dompe C, Moncrieff L, Matys J, Grzech-Lesniak K, Kocherova I, Bryja A, Bruska M, Dominiak M, Mozdziak P, Skiba THI, Shibli JA, Angelova Volponi A, Kempisty B, Dyszkiewicz-Konwinska M. Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 3;9(6):1724. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061724.
• Tomazoni SS, Machado CDSM, De Marchi T, Casalechi HL, Bjordal JM, de Carvalho PTC, Leal-Junior ECP. Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation Therapy) before Intense Progressive Running Test of High-Level Soccer Players: Effects on Functional, Muscle Damage, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Stress Markers-A Randomized Controlled Trial. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Nov 16;2019:6239058. doi: 10.1155/2019/6239058. eCollection 2019.
• Ailioaie LM, Litscher G. Photobiomodulation and Sports: Results of a Narrative Review. Life (Basel). 2021 Dec 3;11(12):1339. doi: 10.3390/life11121339.
• Aver Vanin A, De Marchi T, Tomazoni SS, Tairova O, Leao Casalechi H, de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho P, Bjordal JM, Leal-Junior EC. Pre-Exercise Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy (810 nm) in Skeletal Muscle Performance and Postexercise Recovery in Humans, What Is the Optimal Dose? A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Photomed Laser Surg. 2016 Oct;34(10):473-482. doi: 10.1089/pho.2015.3992. Epub 2016 Aug 29.
• Baroni BM, Rodrigues R, Freire BB, Franke Rde A, Geremia JM, Vaz MA. Effect of low-level laser therapy on muscle adaptation to knee extensor eccentric training. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2015 Mar;115(3):639-47. doi: 10.1007/s00421-014-3055-y. Epub 2014 Nov 23.
• de Carvalho G, Gobbi A, Gobbi RB, Alfredo DMN, do Carmo Furquim TH, Barbosa RI, Papoti M, de Jesus Guirro RR. Photobiomodulation by light emitting diode applied sequentially does not alter performance in cycling athletes. Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Oct;35(8):1769-1779. doi: 10.1007/s10103-020-02973-9. Epub 2020 Feb 20.
• De Marchi T, Leal-Junior ECP, Lando KC, Cimadon F, Vanin AA, da Rosa DP, Salvador M. Photobiomodulation therapy before futsal matches improves the staying time of athletes in the court and accelerates post-exercise recovery. Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Feb;34(1):139-148. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2643-1. Epub 2018 Sep 27.
• de Paiva PR, Tomazoni SS, Johnson DS, Vanin AA, Albuquerque-Pontes GM, Machado CD, Casalechi HL, de Carvalho PT, Leal-Junior EC. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and/or cryotherapy in skeletal muscle restitution, what is better? A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2016 Dec;31(9):1925-1933. doi: 10.1007/s10103-016-2071-z. Epub 2016 Sep 13.
• Ferraresi C, Bertucci D, Schiavinato J, Reiff R, Araujo A, Panepucci R, Matheucci E Jr, Cunha AF, Arakelian VM, Hamblin MR, Parizotto N, Bagnato V. Effects of Light-Emitting Diode Therapy on Muscle Hypertrophy, Gene Expression, Performance, Damage, and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness: Case-control Study with a Pair of Identical Twins. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2016 Oct;95(10):746-57. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000490.
• Leal Junior EC, de Godoi V, Mancalossi JL, Rossi RP, De Marchi T, Parente M, Grosselli D, Generosi RA, Basso M, Frigo L, Tomazoni SS, Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA. Comparison between cold water immersion therapy (CWIT) and light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) in short-term skeletal muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise in athletes--preliminary results. Lasers Med Sci. 2011 Jul;26(4):493-501. doi: 10.1007/s10103-010-0866-x. Epub 2010 Nov 19.
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Helpful Links

• Homepage for all current Photomedicine projects, including PM#14.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 23, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 2, 2026
• Study Completion (Actual): March 2, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 13, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 18, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): April 23, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 15, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 18, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Therapeutics; Laser Therapy; Phototherapy; Low-Level Light Therapy
• Other Study ID Numbers: USUHS.2023-126

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES

IPD Plan Description

The Initial Consent Form (ICF) for this research study states that de-identified research data will be shared with MIRROR and USU and maintained indefinitely for possible use in future research. By consenting to participate in this research study, participants agree to allow us to maintain their de-identified research data indefinitely for possible use in future research.

Participants will not be given the option to opt out of us retaining their de-identified research data indefinitely for possible future use. The ICF states, "If you do not want your deidentified data collected as part of this research study to be kept for use in future research studies, you should not sign this consent form."

• IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type: STUDY_PROTOCOL; SAP; ICF; ANALYTIC_CODE; CSR

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: Yes
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: Yes