Chronic Effects of Photobiomodulation With an LED Vest on Functional Capacity, Inflammatory Markers, and Muscle Perfusion in Children With Asthma (Asthma PBM)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, persistent inflammation, airflow limitation, and structural airway remodeling. Pediatric asthma remains a major public health concern due to its impact on lung development, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. Despite advances in pharmacological therapies, many children continue to experience symptoms, exacerbations, and functional limitations, highlighting the need for complementary therapeutic strategies.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising non-invasive intervention capable of modulating biological processes through light energy absorption by cellular photoreceptors. By stimulating mitochondrial activity and enhancing ATP production, PBMT may reduce inflammatory responses, improve tissue repair, and optimize microcirculatory function without inducing thermal damage. Experimental studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects associated with reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers.

This randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the chronic effects of an LED vest-based photobiomodulation intervention on functional capacity, inflammatory markers, and pulmonary outcomes in children aged 6-17 years diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving active LED treatment or a control group receiving sham treatment through an inactive vest. Clinical and functional assessments will include spirometry, Asthma Control Test (ACT), GINA assessment, and the Incremental Step Test (IST) to evaluate exercise tolerance. Additional physiological parameters may be analyzed to investigate underlying mechanisms associated with treatment response.

The findings of this study may contribute to the development of innovative, accessible, and clinically applicable therapeutic strategies for pediatric asthma management.