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To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) in conjunction with an aerobic exercise program (AEP) on the level of pain and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial in which 51 participants with FM were allocated into 4 groups: control group (CG) (n = 12); active PBM group (APG) (n = 12); AEP and placebo PBM group (EPPG) (n = 13); AEP and active PBM group (EAPG) (n = 14). AEP was performed on an ergometric bicycle; and a PBM (with an increase dosage regime) [20 J, 32 J and 40 J] was applied using a cluster device. Both interventions were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. A mixed generalized model analysis was performed, evaluating the time (initial and final) and group (EAPG, EPPG, APG and CG) interaction. All analyses were based on intent-to-treat for a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The intra-group analysis demonstrated that all treated groups presented a significant improvement in the level of pain and quality of life comparing the initial and final evaluation (p < 0.05). Values for SF-36 and 6-minute walk test increased significant in intragroup analysis for EPPG comparing the initial and final evaluation. No intergroup differences were observed. Conclusions: Both exercised and PBM irradiated volunteers present improvements in the variables analyzed. However, further studies should be performed, with other PBM parameters to determine the best regime of irradiation to optimize the positive effects of physical exercises in FM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining how heat affects people with Parkinson's disease is essential for informing clinical decision-making, safety, well-being, and healthcare planning. While there is evidence that the neuropathology associated with Parkinson's disease affects thermoregulatory mechanisms, little attention has been given to the association of heat sensitivity to worsening symptoms and restricted daily activities in people with this progressive disease. Using a cross-sectional study design, we examined the experiences of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the heat. Two-hundred and forty-seven people completed an online survey (age: 66.0 ± 9.2 years; sex: male = 102 (41.3%), female = 145 (58.7%)), of which 195 (78.9%) reported becoming more sensitive to heat with Parkinson's disease. Motor and nonmotor symptoms worsened with heat in 182 (73.7%) and 203 (82.2%) respondents, respectively. The most commonly reported symptoms to worsen included walking difficulties, balance impairment, stiffness, tremor, fatigue, sleep disturbances, excess sweating, difficulty concentrating, and light-headedness when standing. Concerningly, over half indicated an inability to work effectively in the heat, and nearly half reported that heat impacted their ability to perform household tasks and social activities. Overall, heat sensitivity was common in people with Parkinson's disease and had a significant impact on symptomology, day-to-day activities and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle fatigue is a process influenced by several mechanisms such as concentration of metabolic substrates, changes in blood flow, and increases in reactive oxygen species that impair contractile muscle function. In this context, photobiomodulation has been investigated for preventing muscle fatigue, with reports of positive effects on muscle performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 904-nm LASER photobiomodulation on rectus femoris muscle performance in young women. Eighteen young women participated in a randomized, participant and assessor-blinded crossover trial with placebo control. Active LASER (904 nm, 60 mW, 250 Hz, 3.6 J per diode, total dose of 129.6 J) intervention was applied prior to an isokinetic fatigue protocol consisting of a set of 60 concentric quadricep contractions at a constant dynamometer angular velocity of 180°/s. Compared to placebo, LASER photobiomodulation significantly reduced muscle fatigue across a range of indicators including reduced ratings of perceived exertion (P = 0.0139), and increased electromyographic fatigue index (EFI) (P = 0.005). The isokinetic dynamometer performance analysis demonstrated that LASER photobiomodulation increased peak torque (P = 0.04), time to peak torque (P = 0.042), total work (P = 0.032), average power (P = 0.0007), and average peak torque (P = 0.019) between both experimental conditions. No significant difference was observed for work fatigue index (P = 0.29) or for lactate concentration (P > 0.05). Photobiomodulation at 904 nm was effective in reducing fatigue levels and increasing muscle performance in young active women but had no effect on lactate levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]