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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]

Background: There are limited treatment options for mental health comorbidities associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), although they have been shown to negatively affect the course of IBD and multiple important areas of functioning. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a new therapeutic intervention using laser-generated low-powered light therapy that has shown early promise in alleviating fatigue, depression, and pain in chronic illness. Methods: This prospective, single-arm pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of PBM in the treatment of fatigue, depression, and pain in youth with IBD. We will recruit 28 young adults with IBD who will receive PBM in addition to treatment as usual. The primary outcome will be fatigue, while secondary outcomes will include depression, pain, quality of life, inflammatory markers, alterations in microbiome composition, physical activity, and functioning. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, after a 10-week control period (pre-PBM), at 20 weeks (post-PBM), and at 30 weeks. Feasibility will be assessed by attendance, recruitment rates, and participants' views of PBM. Mixed-effects linear regression modelling will be used to assess the PBM effect on continuous outcomes (fatigue, depression, anxiety and stress scores, and inflammation levels). Results: The study will provide preliminary indicators of PBM feasibility and efficacy in IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous mechanisms, mostly molecular, have been tested and proposed for photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation is finding a niche in the treatment of conditions that have no gold-standard treatment or only partially effective pharmacological treatment. Many chronic conditions are characterised by symptoms for which there is no cure or control and for which pharmaceuticals may add to the disease burden through side effects. To add quality to life, alternate methods of symptom management need to be identified. Objective: To demonstrate how photobiomodulation, through its numerous mechanisms, may offer an adjunctive therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. Rather than considering only molecular mechanisms, we take an overarching biopsychosocial approach to propose how existing evidence gleaned from other studies may underpin a treatment strategy of potential benefit to people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Main findings: In this paper, the authors have proposed the perspective that photobiomodulation, through an integrated effect on the neuroimmune and microbiome–gut–brain axis, has the potential to be effective in managing the fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms of people with inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this case study was to elucidate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the microbiome. Background: The gut microbiome has been identified as a key component of health, with gut dysbiosis, characterized by decreased microbial diversity and an altered microbial composition, being recognized as instrumental in many diseases and disorders. Previous research has suggested that the gut microbiome can be favorably altered in animal models using PBM. Materials and methods: The participant had their microbiome tested on nine occasions, three times before any treatment, three times after radiotherapy and commencement of immunotherapy for breast cancer, and three times after PBM treatment. The PBM treatment consisted of infrared laser treatment (904 nm; 700 Hz pulse frequency, 861.3 total joules) to the abdomen three times per week for 11 weeks. Results: The microbiome of the participant showed significant changes in diversity after PBM treatment, but not after cancer therapy, with an increase in the number of known beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Roseburia) and decrease in the number of potentially pathogenic genera. Conclusions: The results suggested the possibility that PBM may alter the microbiome and thus it represents a therapeutic avenue for chronic diseases with otherwise limited treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroprotection against Parkinson's disease degeneration by photobiomodulation has been reported in animal models but no true placebo-controlled human studies have been published.Objective: To understand if photobiomodulation therapy can produce clinically significant differences in physical performance measures in people with Parkinson's disease; and what frequency of treatment is necessary to initiate clinical change.Methods: In a participant and assessor-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study, 22 participants received either sham and/or active laser photobiomodulation (904 nm, 60 mW/diode, 50 Hz) for 33 s to each of 21 points at the cranium and intra-orally, on one, two or three times/week for 4 weeks. Two treatment phases were separated by a 4-week wash-out (Phase 2). Upper and lower limb physical outcome measures were assessed before and after each treatment phase. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was evaluated prior to treatment Phase 1, and at the end of treatment Phase 3.Results: Montreal Cognitive Assessment remained stable between start and end of study. No measures demonstrated statistically significant changes. With regular treatment, the spiral (writing) test and the dynamic step test were most sensitive to change in a positive direction; and the 9-hole peg test demonstrated a minimum clinically important difference worthy of further investigation in a larger, adequately powered clinical trial. A placebo effect was noted.Conclusion: The results support the notion that combined transcranial and intra-oral photobiomodulation therapy needs to be applied at least 2 to 3 times per week for at least four weeks before some improvement in outcome measures becomes evident. Longer courses of treatment may be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intravenous blood irradiation with light is purported to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Transcutaneous light emitting devices are marketed for use in modulating glucose levels, yet evidence of effectiveness is scarce. Materials and methods: In a single subject (nondiabetic woman with significant family history of DM), transcutaneous photobiomodulation (PBM) at various wavelengths was applied to the radial artery immediately after a standardized meal, or at the peak glucose after the standardized meal. Data were compared with a "no intervention" control period. Interstitial glucose was measured every 5 min until return to baseline. Results: A single transcutaneous application of PBM at wavelength and dose combinations tested and when applied immediately after a test meal or at peak glucose postprandially did not affect interstitial glucose levels in a woman without DM. Conclusions: Future studies could include testing additional subjects, using repeated PBM applications and monitoring using blood glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure and few treatment options. Its incidence is increasing due to aging populations, longer disease duration and potentially as a COVID-19 sequela. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been successfully used in animal models to reduce the signs of PD and to protect dopaminergic neurons.Objective: To assess the effectiveness of PBM to mitigate clinical signs of PD in a prospective proof-of-concept study, using a combination of transcranial and remote treatment, in order to inform on best practice for a larger randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT).Methods: Twelve participants with idiopathic PD were recruited. Six were randomly chosen to begin 12 weeks of transcranial, intranasal, neck and abdominal PBM. The remaining 6 were waitlisted for 14 weeks before commencing the same treatment. After the 12-week treatment period, all participants were supplied with PBM devices to continue home treatment. Participants were assessed for mobility, fine motor skills, balance and cognition before treatment began, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment and the end of the home treatment period. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to assess treatment effectiveness at a significance level of 5%.Results: Measures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with PBM treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year. Many individual improvements were above the minimal clinically important difference, the threshold judged to be meaningful for participants. Individual improvements varied but many continued for up to one year with sustained home treatment. There was a demonstrable Hawthorne Effect that was below the treatment effect. No side effects of the treatment were observed.Conclusions: PBM was shown to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for a range of clinical signs and symptoms of PD. Improvements were maintained for as long as treatment continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected. Home treatment of PD by the person themselves or with the help of a carer might be an effective therapy option. The results of this study indicate that a large RCT is warranted.Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, registration number: ACTRN12618000038291p , registered on 12/01/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges and consequences of acute delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, emphasizing the lack of a definitive treatment. It proposes exploring transcranial photobiomodulation (TPBM) as a potential intervention based on promising results in other neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, and highlights the need for further research on TPBM in ICU patients with acute delirium.

The article informs about maintaining photobiomodulation research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include corruption have resulted in a lack of access to vaccines and difficulties communicating effectively about and adhering to infection control procedures; and receiving a small amount of funding to support clinical research, and after protracted discussions and applications for ethical and governance clearances.

Objective: To assess whether remote application of photobiomodulation (PBM) is effective in reducing clinical signs of Parkinson's disease (PD). Background: PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure and few treatment options. There is a strong link between the microbiome--gut--brain axis and PD. PBM in animal models can reduce the signs of PD and protect the neurons from damage when applied directly to the head or to remote parts of the body. In a clinical study, PBM has been shown to improve clinical signs of PD for up to 1 year. Methods: Seven participants were treated with PBM to the abdomen and neck three times per week for 12 weeks. Participants were assessed for mobility, balance, cognition, fine motor skill, and sense of smell on enrolment, after 12 weeks of treatment in a clinic and after 33 weeks of home treatment. Results: A number of clinical signs of PD were shown to be improved by remote PBM treatment, including mobility, cognition, dynamic balance, spiral test, and sense of smell. Improvements were individual to the participant. Some improvements were lost for certain participants during at-home treatment, which coincided with a number of enforced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown periods. Conclusions: Remote application of PBM was shown to be an effective treatment for a number of clinical signs of PD, with some being maintained for 45 weeks, despite lockdown restrictions. Improvements in clinical signs were similar to those seen with the application of remote plus transcranial PBM treatment in a previous study. Clinical Trial Registration number: U1111-1205-2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the potential efficacy and feasibility of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) before and after knee arthroplasty (KA) surgery. Background: Total knee replacements (total knee arthroplasty, TKA) are one of the most common and successful surgical interventions for osteoarthritis. Up to 20,000 knee replacement arthroplasties are performed in Australia annually. Although TKA aims to restore knee alignment and relieve pain in the long term, the initial post-operative period is difficult and rehabilitation is often hindered by persistent pain and swelling. A promising therapeutic approach, PBMT using a novel self-adhesive light patch system, may be feasible for reducing post-operative pain and swelling and aiding recovery. Materials and methods: This is an interventional clinical feasibility study protocol. Patients from a surgical waitlist will be invited to take part. PBMT will be applied for 30 min daily for 7 days pre-operatively using a novel light patch system (CareWear) with both 450 nm (6.75mW/cm2) and 640 nm (2.25mW/cm2) microdiodes. Postoperative treatment will utilize the same device second daily for 1 week after removal of compression bandages. Results: Outcomes will be evaluated at seven time points: baseline at week 1 pre-operatively, 1 day before surgery, day 4 after surgery, weekly for a further 2 weeks, and fortnightly until 6 weeks post-hospital discharge. Outcome measures include the following: Numeric Pain Rating Scale, stair climb test, 30-sec chair stand test, timed up and go test, 40-m fast-paced walk test, modified Iowa Level of Assistance Scale, muscle strength, knee range of motion, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Lower Limb Functional Index. Conclusions: This study will provide an assessment of feasibility of using PBMT applied using a novel light patch system for management of pain symptoms and swelling, and aiding recovery of patients undergoing TKA. The results of this feasibility study will contribute to planning of the design and methods of a large clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]