Does photobiomodulation therapy combined to static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) promote ergogenic effects even when the exercised muscle group is not irradiated? A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: The direct application of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) combined with a static magnetic field (sMF) (PBMT-sMF) to target tissues is shown to improve muscle performance and recovery. Studies have reported possible PBMT effects when a local distant to the target tissue is irradiated. Notably, the extent of these effects on musculoskeletal performance and the optimal site of irradiation remain unclear, although this information is clinically important since these aspects could directly affect the magnitude of the effect. Therefore, we investigated the effects of local and non-local PBMT-sMF irradiations on musculoskeletal performance and post-exercise recovery before an eccentric exercise protocol. Methods: This randomized, triple-blind (participants, therapists and assessors), placebo-controlled trial included 30 healthy male volunteers randomly assigned to the placebo, local, and non-local groups. Active or placebo PBMT-sMF was applied to 6 sites of the quadriceps muscle of both legs. An eccentric exercise protocol was used to induce fatigue. The primary outcome was peak torque assessed by maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The secondary outcomes were delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), muscle injury assessed by serum creatine kinase activity (CK), and blood lactate levels. Evaluations were performed before the eccentric exercise protocol (baseline), as well as immediately after and 1, 24, 48, and 72 h upon protocol completion. Results: Ten volunteers were randomized per group and analysed for all outcomes. Compared to the placebo and non-local groups, irradiation with PBMT-SMF led to statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) with regard to all variables in the local group. The outcomes observed in the non-local group were similar to those in the placebo group with regard to all variables. The volunteers did not report any adverse effects. Conclusion: Our results support the current evidence that local irradiation of all exercised muscles promotes ergogenic effects. PBMT-sMF improved performance and reduced muscle fatigue only when applied locally to muscles involved in physical activity.publishedVersio

Immediate effects of photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field on the subsequent performance: a preliminary randomized crossover triple-blinded placebo-controlled trial

There is evidence about the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) alone and combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) on skeletal muscle fatigue, physical performance and post-exercise recovery in different types of exercise protocols and sports activity. However, the effects of PBMT-sMF to improve the subsequent performance after a first set of exercises are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PBMT-sMF, applied between two sets of exercises, on the subsequent physical performance. A randomized, crossover, triple-blinded (assessors, therapist, and volunteers), placebo-controlled trial was carried out. Healthy non-athlete male volunteers were randomized and treated with a single application of PBMT-sMF and placebo between two sets of an exercise protocol performed on isokinetic dynamometer. The order of interventions was randomized. The primary outcome was fatigue index and the secondary outcomes were total work, peak work, and blood lactate levels. Twelve volunteers were randomized and analyzed to each sequence. PBMT-sMF decreased the fatigue index compared to the placebo PBMT-sMF at second set of the exercise protocol (MD = -6.08, 95% CI -10.49 to -1.68). In addition, PBMT-sMF decreased the blood lactate levels post-intervention, and after the second set of the exercise protocol compared to placebo (p<0.05). There was no difference between PBMT-sMF and placebo in the remaining outcomes tested. Volunteers did not report adverse events. Our results suggest that PBMT-sMF is able to decrease skeletal muscle fatigue, accelerating post-exercise recovery and, consequently, increasing subsequent physical performance when applied between two sets of exercises.publishedVersio

Photobiomodulation Therapy Combined with Static Magnetic Field (PBMT–SMF) on Spatiotemporal and Kinematics Gait Parameters in Post-Stroke: A Pilot Study

Background: Gait deficit is a major complaint in patients after stroke, restricting certain activities of daily living. Photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-SMF) has been studied for several diseases, and the two therapies are beneficia. However, their combination has not yet been evaluated in stroke. Therefore, for PBMT–SMF to be used more often and become an adjunctive tool in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors at physical therapy rehabilitation centers and clinics, some important aspects need to be clarified. Purpose: This study aimed to test different doses of PBMT–SMF, to identify the ideal dose to cause immediate effects on the spatiotemporal and kinematic variables of gait in post-stroke patients. Methods: A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study was performed. A total of 10 individuals with hemiparesis within 6 months to 5 years since the occurrence of stroke, aged 45–60 years, were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned and treated with a single PBMT–SMF dose (sham, 10 J, 30 J, or 50 J) on a single application, with one dose per stage at 7-day intervals between stages. PBMT–SMF was applied with a cluster of 12 diodes (4 of 905 nm laser, 4 of 875 nm LEDs, and 4 of 640 nm LEDs, SMF of 35 mT) at 17 sites on both lower limbs after baseline evaluation: plantar flexors (2), knee extensors (9), and flexors (6). The primary outcome was self-selected walking speed, and the secondary outcomes were kinematic parameters. Gait analysis was performed using SMART-D 140(®) and SMART-D INTEGRATED WORKSTATION(®). The outcomes were measured at the end of each stage after the single application of each PBMT–SMF dose tested. Results: No significant differences (p > 0.05) in spatiotemporal variables were observed between the different doses, compared with the baseline evaluation. However, differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the kinematic variable of the hip in the paretic and non-paretic limbs, specifically in the minimum flexion/extension angulation during the support phase (HMST–MIN) in doses 10 J, 30 J, and 50 J. Conclusions: A single application of PBMT–SMF at doses of 10 J, 30 J, and 50 J per site of the lower limbs did not demonstrate positive effects on the spatiotemporal variables, but it promoted immediate effects in the kinematic variables of the hip (maximum and minimum flexion/extension angulation during the support phase) in the paretic and non-paretic limbs in post-stroke people

Does photobiomodulation therapy combined to static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) promote ergogenic effects even when the exercised muscle group is not irradiated? A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: The direct application of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) combined with a static magnetic field (sMF) (PBMT-sMF) to target tissues is shown to improve muscle performance and recovery. Studies have reported possible PBMT effects when a local distant to the target tissue is irradiated. Notably, the extent of these effects on musculoskeletal performance and the optimal site of irradiation remain unclear, although this information is clinically important since these aspects could directly affect the magnitude of the effect. Therefore, we investigated the effects of local and non-local PBMT-sMF irradiations on musculoskeletal performance and post-exercise recovery before an eccentric exercise protocol. Methods: This randomized, triple-blind (participants, therapists and assessors), placebo-controlled trial included 30 healthy male volunteers randomly assigned to the placebo, local, and non-local groups. Active or placebo PBMT-sMF was applied to 6 sites of the quadriceps muscle of both legs. An eccentric exercise protocol was used to induce fatigue. The primary outcome was peak torque assessed by maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The secondary outcomes were delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), muscle injury assessed by serum creatine kinase activity (CK), and blood lactate levels. Evaluations were performed before the eccentric exercise protocol (baseline), as well as immediately after and 1, 24, 48, and 72 h upon protocol completion. Results: Ten volunteers were randomized per group and analysed for all outcomes. Compared to the placebo and non-local groups, irradiation with PBMT-SMF led to statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) with regard to all variables in the local group. The outcomes observed in the non-local group were similar to those in the placebo group with regard to all variables. The volunteers did not report any adverse effects. Conclusion: Our results support the current evidence that local irradiation of all exercised muscles promotes ergogenic effects. PBMT-sMF improved performance and reduced muscle fatigue only when applied locally to muscles involved in physical activity

Photobiomodulation Therapy Combined with Static Magnetic Field Reduces Pain in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck and/or Shoulder Pain: A Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been used to treat patients with chronic neck and/or shoulder pain. However, it is unknown whether the concurrent use of PBMT and static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) also has positive effects in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PBMT-sMF versus placebo on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM) and treatment satisfaction in patients with chronic nonspecific neck and/or shoulder pain. A randomized controlled trial, with blinded assessors, therapists and patients was carried out. Seventy-two patients with chronic nonspecific neck and/or shoulder pain were randomized to either active PBMT-sMF (n = 36) or placebo PBMT-sMF (n = 36). Patients were treated twice weekly, over 3 weeks. Primary outcome was pain intensity, measured 15 min after the last treatment session and at 24-, 48-, 72-h, and 7-days after the last treatment. Secondary outcomes were ROM, patient’ treatment satisfaction, and adverse effects. PBMT-sMF was able to reduce pain intensity in all time points tested compared to placebo (p 0.05). Our results suggest that PBMT-sMF is better than placebo to reduce pain in patients with chronic nonspecific neck and/or shoulder pain at short-term.publishedVersio

Photobiomodulation Therapy Combined with a Static Magnetic Field Applied in Different Moments Enhances Performance and Accelerates Muscle Recovery in CrossFit® Athletes: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

The ergogenic effects of photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) on exercises with characteristics similar to those of CrossFit® are unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of PBMT-sMF applied at different times on recovery and physical performance in CrossFit® athletes by analyzing functional aspects, muscle damage, inflammatory processes, and oxidative stress. This was a prospectively registered, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. CrossFit® athletes were recruited and assigned to receive one of the four possible interventions. Each intervention included protocols before and after the exercise (referred to as the workout of the day (WOD)). The four possibilities of intervention were as follows: placebo before and after WOD (placebo), PBMT-sMF before and placebo after WOD (PBMT-sMF before), placebo before and PBMT-sMF after WOD (PBMT-sMF after), and PBMT-sMF before and after WOD (PBMT-sMF before and after). The order of possibilities for the interventions was randomized. The primary outcome was the functional test performance. The secondary outcomes were the subjective perception of exertion, muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The outcomes were measured before the WOD; immediately after the intervention; and 1, 24, and 48 hours after the WOD. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test to examine the differences between the interventions at each time point. Twelve participants were randomized and analyzed for each sequence. PBMT-sMF enhanced the performance on functional tests (calculated as a percentage of change) when applied before or after WOD in the assessment performed immediately post-WOD and at 24 and 48 hours later (p < 0:05) compared to placebo and PBMT-sMF before and after WOD. In terms of the secondary outcomes, PBMT-sMF applied before or after WOD significantly decreased the creatine kinase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and interleukin-6, thiobarbituric acid, and carbonylated protein levels (all p < 0:05) compared to the other possibilities of intervention. In addition, PBMT-sMF applied before and after WOD decreased creatine kinase activity at 24 hours and IL-6 levels at 24 and 48 hours compared to placebo (p < 0:05). None of the participants reported any adverse events. PBMT-sMF enhanced the performance of functional tests, decreased the levels of biochemical markers of muscle damage and inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, and increased antioxidant activity in CrossFit® athletes when applied before or after WOD.publishedVersio

Immediate effects of photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field on the subsequent performance: a preliminary randomized crossover triple-blinded placebo-controlled trial

There is evidence about the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) alone and combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) on skeletal muscle fatigue, physical performance and post-exercise recovery in different types of exercise protocols and sports activity. However, the effects of PBMT-sMF to improve the subsequent performance after a first set of exercises are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PBMT-sMF, applied between two sets of exercises, on the subsequent physical performance. A randomized, crossover, triple-blinded (assessors, therapist, and volunteers), placebo-controlled trial was carried out. Healthy non-athlete male volunteers were randomized and treated with a single application of PBMT-sMF and placebo between two sets of an exercise protocol performed on isokinetic dynamometer. The order of interventions was randomized. The primary outcome was fatigue index and the secondary outcomes were total work, peak work, and blood lactate levels. Twelve volunteers were randomized and analyzed to each sequence. PBMT-sMF decreased the fatigue index compared to the placebo PBMT-sMF at second set of the exercise protocol (MD = -6.08, 95% CI -10.49 to -1.68). In addition, PBMT-sMF decreased the blood lactate levels post-intervention, and after the second set of the exercise protocol compared to placebo (p<0.05). There was no difference between PBMT-sMF and placebo in the remaining outcomes tested. Volunteers did not report adverse events. Our results suggest that PBMT-sMF is able to decrease skeletal muscle fatigue, accelerating post-exercise recovery and, consequently, increasing subsequent physical performance when applied between two sets of exercises

Does the combination of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and static magnetic fields (sMF) potentiate the effects of aerobic endurance training and decrease the loss of performance during detraining? A randomised, tripleblinded, placebo-controlled trial

Background Photobiomodulation (PBMT) is a therapy that uses non-ionising forms of light, including low-level lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be capable of modulating cellular activity. Some biological processes may also interact with static magnetic fields (sMF), leading to modulatory effects on cells. Previous studies have verified that the combination of PBMT and sMF (PBMT/sMF) enhances the performance of individuals during aerobic training programs. The detraining period can cause losses in aerobic capacity. However, there is no evidence of the existence of any recourse that can decrease the effects of detraining. We aimed to investigate the effects of PBMT/sMF application during training and detraining to assess the effectiveness of this treatment in reducing the effects of detraining. Methods Sixty male volunteers were randomly allocated into four groups— participants who received PBMT/sMF during the training and detraining (PBMT/sMF + PBMT/sMF); participants who received PBMT/sMF during the training and a placebo in the detraining (PBMT/sMF + Placebo); participants who received a placebo during the training and PBMT/sMF in the detraining (Placebo+PBMT/sMF); and participants who received a placebo during the training and detraining (Placebo+Placebo). Participants performed treadmill training over 12 weeks (3 sessions/week), followed by 4 weeks of detraining. PBMT/sMF was applied using a 12-diode emitter (four 905 nm super-pulsed lasers, four 875 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs), four 640 nm LEDs, and a 35 mT magnetic field) at 17 sites on each lower limb (dosage: 30 J per site). The data were analysed by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA, time vs experimental group) with post-hoc Bonferroni correction. Results The percentage of change in time until exhaustion and in maximum oxygen consumption was higher in the PBMT/sMF + PBMT/sMF group than in the Placebo+Placebo group at all time-points (p < 0.05). Moreover, the percentage of decrease in body fat at the 16th week was higher in the PBMT/sMF + PBMT/sMF group than in the Placebo+Placebo group (p < 0.05). Conclusions PBMT/sMF can potentiate the effects of aerobic endurance training and decrease performance loss after a 4-week detraining period. Thus, it may prove to be an important tool for both amateur and high-performance athletes as well as people undergoing rehabilitation

Can photobiomodulation therapy be an alternative to pharmacological therapies in decreasing the progression of skeletal muscle impairments of mdx mice?

OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and pharmacological therapy (glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) applied alone and in different combinations in mdx mice. METHODS:The animals were randomized and divided into seven experimental groups treated with placebo, PBMT, prednisone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), PBMT plus prednisone and PBMT plus NSAID. Wild type animals were used as control. All treatments were performed during 14 consecutive weeks. Muscular morphology, protein expression of dystrophin and functional performance were assessed at the end of the last treatment. RESULTS:Both treatments with prednisone and PBMT applied alone or combined, were effective in preserving muscular morphology. In addition, the treatments with PBMT (p = 0.0005), PBMT plus prednisone (p = 0.0048) and PBMT plus NSAID (p = 0.0021) increased dystrophin gene expression compared to placebo-control group. However, in the functional performance the PBMT presented better results compared to glucocorticoids (p<0.0001). In contrast, the use of NSAIDs did not appear to add benefits to skeletal muscle tissue in mdx mice. CONCLUSION:We believe that the promising and optimistic results about the PBMT in skeletal muscle of mdx mice may in the future contribute to this therapy to be considered a safe alternative for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in a washout period (between treatment periods with glucocorticoids), allowing them to remain receiving effective and safe treatment in this period, avoiding at this way periods without administration of any treatment