The Effects of Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Light-Bed Therapy on Creatine Kinase and Salivary Interleukin-6 in a Sample of Trained Males: A Randomized, Crossover Study

Outcomes of whole-body photobiomodulation on pain, quality of life, leisure physical activity, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and self-efficacy: a prospective randomized triple-blinded clinical trial with 6 months of follow-up

Background

The management of fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms on a global scale remains a complex endeavor. This study endeavors to assess the impact of whole-body photobiomodulation (PBM) compared to placebo PBM on pain, functionality, and psychological symptoms in individuals afflicted with fibromyalgia.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this research were to conduct a comparative analysis of the effects of whole-body photobiomodulation (PBM) and placebo PBM on pain, functionality, and psychological symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods

A total of 42 subjects were recruited from a private care practice for participation in this triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Participants underwent 12 treatment sessions, and assessments were conducted at various intervals, including baseline (T0), midway through the 12-session treatment (T1), at the completion of the 12 sessions (T2), and follow-ups at 2 weeks (T3), 3 months (T4), and 6 months (T5).

Results

Statistical analysis revealed significant reductions in pain at T2, T3, and T5. Additionally, quality of life exhibited marked improvements after sessions at T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5. Leisure activity also demonstrated statistically significant improvements at T2, T3, T4, and T5. Furthermore, kinesiophobia showed significant differences between groups immediately after treatment at T2, T3, T4, and T5. Self-efficacy, when compared between groups, demonstrated significant differences at T3, T4, and T5 (two weeks after treatment). Lastly, pain catastrophizing exhibited significant differences only at T5.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that whole-body PBM treatment for 4 weeks resulted in significant pain reduction and improved quality of life in individuals suffering from FM. Furthermore, kinesiophobia and self-efficacy demonstrated improvements in both short-term and long-term assessments, while pain catastrophizing showed improvement at the 6-month follow-up. Consequently, whole-body PBM emerges as a promising multifactorial treatment option for FM patients, though further studies are required to validate and strengthen these results.Clinical Trial Registration:Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT0424897.

Whole-body photobiomodulation improves post-exercise recovery but does not affect performance or physiological response during maximal anaerobic cycling

This study aims to examine the effects of acute whole-body photobiomodulation (wbPBM), applied pre-exercise, on bouts of anaerobic cycling (Wingate) performances. Forty-eight healthy, active males and females participated in this single-blind, randomized, crossover study. Participants visited the laboratory three times to complete repeat (4 ×) Wingate testing, with one week between each visit. All participants completed baseline testing during their first visit and randomly received either the wbPBM or placebo condition before testing on the second visit, followed by the opposite condition on the third visit. There were no significant condition × time interactions for any variable (peak power, average power, power decrement, lactate, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, heart rate variability (HRV), root-mean square of differences between R-R intervals (rMSSD), power in the high-frequency range (HF) average, power in the low-frequency range (LF) average, total power, LF/HF, or power in the very-low-frequency range average). A main condition effect was only noted for heart rate, where peak heart rate was significantly higher for wbPBM (145, 141-148 bpm) than placebo (143, 139-146 bpm; p = 0.006) and baseline testing (143, 140-146; p = 0.049) throughout the entire testing session (i.e., collapsed across all timepoints). Furthermore, HRV (rMSSD) the following morning after testing was significantly higher for the wbPBM session compared to placebo (p = 0.043). There were no differences in perceived recovery (p = 0.713) or stress (p = 0.978) scores between wbPBM and placebo. Implementing 20 min of wbPBM immediately prior to maximal bouts of anaerobic cycling did not improve performance (i.e., power output) or physiological responses (e.g., lactate). However, wbPBM elicited the ability to work at a higher heart rate throughout testing and seemed to enhance recovery through improved HRV the following morning.

Short-Term Effects of Whole-Body Photobiomodulation on Pain, Quality of Life and Psychological Factors in a Population Suffering from Fibromyalgia: A Triple-Blinded Randomised Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multifunctional chronic musculoskeletal pain condition characterised by sensory hypersensitivity. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has shown a positive impact on relieving pain; however, no studies to our knowledge have analysed a whole-body PBM intervention in subjects with FM. The aims of the study were to compare the effects of whole-body PBM with placebo PBM on pain, functionality and psychological symptoms in patients suffering from FM.

METHODS

Forty-two subjects were recruited from a private care practice. The design of the study is a randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received 12 treatment sessions. Pain, quality of life, level of physical activity and psychological factors were assessed at baseline (T0), after session 6 (T1), after treatment (T2) and at 2-week (T3) follow-up.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in pain at 4 weeks (p ≤ 0.001) (T2) and the 2-week follow-up (T3) (p ≤ 0.001). In relation to the quality of life, there were statistically significant improvements after session 6 (p ≤ 0.001) (T1), immediately after treatment (p ≤ 0.001) (T2) and at the 2-week (T3) follow-up (p ≤ 0.001). Kinesiophobia presented significant differences between groups immediately after treatment (p ≤ 0.001) (T2) and at the 2-week (T3) follow-up (p ≤ 0.001), with self-efficacy only showing significant differences between groups 2 weeks after the treatment (p = 0.01) (T2). There were no differences between groups when comparing pain catastrophising at any time.

CONCLUSION

Whole-body PBM resulted in a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in quality of life in those participants suffering from FM after receiving 4 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, psychological factors such as kinesiophobia and self-efficacy were also improved. Thus, a whole-body PBM treatment is presented as a possible new multifactorial treatment with potential benefits for those with FM and more studies are needed to corroborate our findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT0424897).

The distinguishing electrical properties of cancer cells

In recent decades, medical research has been primarily focused on the inherited aspect of cancers, despite the reality that only 5-10% of tumours discovered are derived from genetic causes. Cancer is a broad term, and therefore it is inaccurate to address it as a purely genetic disease. Understanding cancer cells' behaviour is the first step in countering them. Behind the scenes, there is a complicated network of environmental factors, DNA errors, metabolic shifts, and electrostatic alterations that build over time and lead to the illness's development. This latter aspect has been analyzed in previous studies, but how the different electrical changes integrate and affect each other is rarely examined. Every cell in the human body possesses electrical properties that are essential for proper behaviour both within and outside of the cell itself. It is not yet clear whether these changes correlate with cell mutation in cancer cells, or only with their subsequent development. Either way, these aspects merit further investigation, especially with regards to their causes and consequences. Trying to block changes at various levels of occurrence or assisting in their prevention could be the key to stopping cells from becoming cancerous. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge regarding the electrical landscape of cells is much needed. We review four essential electrical characteristics of cells, providing a deep understanding of the electrostatic changes in cancer cells compared to their normal counterparts. In particular, we provide an overview of intracellular and extracellular pH modifications, differences in ionic concentrations in the cytoplasm, transmembrane potential variations, and changes within mitochondria. New therapies targeting or exploiting the electrical properties of cells are developed and tested every year, such as pH-dependent carriers and tumour-treating fields. A brief section regarding the state-of-the-art of these therapies can be found at the end of this review. Finally, we highlight how these alterations integrate and potentially yield indications of cells' malignancy or metastatic index.

A pilot study on the effects of far-infrared-emitting fabric on neuromuscular performance of knee extensor and male fertility

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of the effects of far-infrared emitting fabric (FIR) on neuromuscular performance of knee extensor over 120 h and to investigate whether the use of FIR affects semen. This is a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial split into neuromuscular and fertility assessments. Four (28.8 ± 4.7 years old) and six (29 ± 3.9 years old) healthy, resistance-trained males completed all neuromuscular and fertility assessments, respectively. In neuromuscular assessments, for five consecutive days, the participants underwent neuromuscular tests in an isokinetic dynamometer (maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) and fatigue test) every 24 h in both conditions (FIR and Placebo). In fertility assessments, participants performed three semen collections: Baseline, FIR, and Placebo. FIR and Placebo collections were performed after five consecutive days of use of the pants. Conventional parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were evaluated. In the FIR condition, the participants showed significant differences in total work at 96 h (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 3.73), 120 h (p = 0.01; Cohen’s d = 2.65), and pre-MVC at 120 h (p = 0.02; Cohen’s d = 2.15) when compared to Placebo. FIR did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the conventional semen parameters or sperm DNA fragmentation compared to Baseline or Placebo. FIR improved the knee extensor neuromuscular performance of healthy resistance-trained individuals, with 112.4 ± 7.8 h accumulated, and did not affect their seminal parameters (conventional or sperm DNA fragmentation), with 113.1 ± 10.2 h accumulated.

Full-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy Is Associated with Reduced Sleep Durations and Augmented Cardiorespiratory Indicators of Recovery

Research is emerging on the use of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and its potential for augmenting human performance, however, relatively little research exists utilizing full-body administration methods. As such, further research supporting the efficacy of whole-body applications of PBMT for behavioral and physiological modifications in applicable, real-world settings are warranted. The purpose of this analysis was to observe cardiorespiratory and sleep patterns surrounding the use of full-body PBMT in an elite cohort of female soccer players. Members of a women’s soccer team in a “Power 5 conference” of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) were observed across one competitive season while wearing an OURA Ring nightly and a global positioning system (GPS) sensor during training. Within-subject comparisons of cardiorespiratory physiology, sleep duration, and sleep composition were evaluated the night before and after PBMT sessions completed as a standard of care for team recovery. Compared to pre-intervention, mean heart rate (HR) was significantly lower the night after a PBMT session (p = 0.0055). Sleep durations were also reduced following PBMT, with total sleep time (TST) averaging 40 min less the night after a session (p = 0.0006), as well as significant reductions in light sleep (p = 0.0307) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep durations (p = 0.0019). Sleep durations were still lower following PBMT, even when controlling for daily and accumulated training loads. Enhanced cardiorespiratory indicators of recovery following PBMT, despite significant reductions in sleep duration, suggest that it may be an effective modality for maintaining adequate recovery from the high stress loads experienced by elite athletes.

Short- and long-term effects of whole-body photobiomodulation on pain, functionality, tissue quality, central sensitisation and psychological factors in a population suffering from fibromyalgia: protocol for a triple-blinded randomised clinical trial

Background:

The development of an integral and global treatment to improve the quality of life in those with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is challenging. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of whole-body photobiomodulation (PBM) on pain perception, functionality, quality of soft tissue, central sensitisation and psychological factors in patients suffering with FMS.

Methods:

This study is a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 44 participants will be recruited in a private care practice and randomised to receive either a whole-body PBM therapy programme or placebo in the same care centre. The parameters of the PBM programme are as follows: wavelengths of red and near-infrared LEDs 50:50 ratio with 660–850 nanometers; fluence of 25.2 J/cm2; treatment time of 1200 s and a total power emitted of 967 W. Treatment sessions will be 3 times weekly for a period of 4 weeks, totalling 12 treatment sessions. Primary outcome will be pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale; Widespread Pain Index; Symptom Severity Score). Secondary outcomes will be functionality (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; the Leisure Time Physical Activity Instrument), quality of soft tissue (elastography), central sensitisation (pain pressure threshold and the Autonomic Symptom Profile) and psychological factors (Pain Catastrophising scale, Tampa Scale, Self-Efficacy questionnaire). Assessments will be at baseline (T1), after session 6 (T2), after treatment (T3) and 2 weeks (T4), 3 (T5) and 6 (T6) month follow-up.

Discussion:

PBM therapy has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and to increase the rate of tissue repair for a wide range of conditions, but its potential use as a whole-body treatment in FM is yet to be explored. This trial will investigate whether whole-body PBM therapy is effective at reducing pain intensity, improving functionality, quality of soft tissue, central sensitisation symptoms and psychological measurements. Furthermore, 3- and 6-month follow-up will investigate long-term efficacy of this treatment.

Trial registration:

NCT04248972. Registered on January 29, 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04248972?term=navarro-ledesma+santiago&draw=2&rank=2 .

Photobiomodulation and Sports: Results of a Narrative Review

Benefits of photobiomodulation (PBM) have been known for several decades. More recently, PBM applied in sports offers a special chance to support the modeling of the performance and recovery. Increasingly complex physical activities and fierce competition in the world of sports generate a state of psycho-emotional and physical stress that can induce chronic fatigue syndrome, failure in physical training, predisposition to muscle damage, physical and emotional exhaustion etc., for which PBM could be an excellent solution. To evaluate and identify all risk factors and the influence of PBM on health and performance in sport and for a better understanding of its effects, we did a search for "Photobiomodulation and Sports" on PubMed, to update the PBM science applied in sports, and we retained for analysis the articles published from 2014 to date. The term "PBM" is recent, and we did not include previous studies with "low level laser therapy" or "LLLT" before 2014. In the present research, PBM has been shown to have valuable protective and ergogenic effects in 25 human studies, being the key to success for high performance and recovery, facts supported also by 22 animal studies. PBM applied creatively and targeted depending on sport and size of the level of physical effort could perfectly modulate the mitochondrial activity and thus lead to remarkable improvements in performance. PBM with no conclusive results or without effects from this review (14 studies from a total of 39 on humans) was analyzed and we found the motivations of the authors from the perspective of multiple causes related to technological limitations, participants, the protocols for physical activity, the devices, techniques and PBM parameters. In the near future, dose-response experiments on physical activity should be designed and correlated with PBM dose-response studies, so that quantification of PBM parameters to allow the energy, metabolic, immune, and neuro-endocrine modulation, perfectly coupled with the level of training. There is an urgent need to continuously improve PBM devices, delivery methods, and protocols in new ingenious future sports trials. Latest innovations and nanotechnologies applied to perform intracellular signaling analysis, while examining extracellular targets, coupled with 3D and 4D sports motion analysis and other high-tech devices, can be a challenge to learn how to maximize PBM efficiency while achieving unprecedented sports performance and thus fulfilling the dream of millions of elite athletes.

Photobiomodulation Therapy at 808 nm Does Not Improve Biceps Brachii Performance to Exhaustion and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in Young Adult Women: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effects of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) at 808 nm on biceps brachii performance to exhaustion, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in untrained young women.

Methods

Thirteen young women (20.1 ± 2.9 years) participated in a crossover study in which they received, in a counterbalanced manner, active and placebo laser PBM on two occasions (T1 and T2), separated by a 7-day washout period. During T1 and T2, participants received active (100 mW output power, irradiance of 35.7 W cm^–2, and total energy of 28 J/arm) or placebo laser irradiation on the biceps brachii muscle at 20 min before the repetitions-to-failure test [six sets at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) until failure] for elbow flexion exercise. The number of repetitions performed and RPE over the six sets, as well as DOMS from basal up to 72 h after the repetitions-to-failure test, were recorded.

Results

There was a significant (time, p < 0.05) reduction in the number of repetitions performed and an increase in RPE over six sets, with no statistical differences between placebo and active laser conditions (treatment × time, p > 0.05). DOMS increased at 24 h postexercise and progressively returned to baseline after 72 h in both conditions (time, p < 0.05; treatment × time, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that acute laser PBM at 808 nm does not improve biceps brachii performance to exhaustion, RPE, and DOMS in untrained women.