Review article on photobiomodulation and the brain

[Rhyothemis]

Here's a review article on photobiomodulation (aka low level laser therapy [LLLT], 'red light' therapy, LED therapy). It summarizes the peer reviewed, published research on the topic - with emphasis on its use in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury:

Photobiomodulation and the brain: a new paradigm

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

A clinical trial on photobiomodulation for PD is underway in Australia.* It is curious that some would dismiss outright the possibility of efficacy of photobiomodulation given what has been evidenced heretofore in peer-reviewed, published studies. Certainly it does not seem 'silly' for people to try it out before the trial is completed if they are suffering despite pursuing standard medical treatment.

One caveat is the wavelength that is used. Near infrared light (~810 nm) can penetrate the brain, while red light doesn't penetrate as far into tissue. Some report symptom improvement using light at ~660 nm; perhaps this is a placebo effect or perhaps the therapy is acting more systemically (e.g, causing changes in circulating inflammatory cytokine levels).

* anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registr...

A search of clinicaltrials.gov on photobiomodulation retrieves 85 entries; a search on "low level laser therapy" (quotes are necessary) retrieves 264.

[jimcaster]

Thanks for sharing. I'm not holding my breath, but it certainly seems to have worked well for some people.

[Rhyothemis in reply to jimcaster]

Best of luck to you.

[Rhyothemis in reply to jimcaster]

Here's a report on a clinical trial on photobiomodulation for PD that did not find much benefit, though there was improvement in gait speed.

fundacionaindace.org/app/do...

The treatment used 670 nm for 6 minutes twice a week over 10 square cm - seems like an inadequate dose, to say the least:

"Photobiomodulation was administered using red light-emitting

diodes (LEDs) with awavelength of 670nm (which has been proven

to penetrate the skull) [2] in six 1-min blocks, alternating the LEDs

between the right and left temples and with a 30-sec rest between

blocks."

{does this mean 3 min per side or 6 min each side?}

~

I purchased a (relatively) cheap combination 660 nm and 850 nm 24 watt LED bulb from Amazon. I've been using it all over for various pains and injuries for 30 to 45 min; it feels good (relaxing) and I seem to sleep better. I'm thinking about making a DIY infrared sauna a la Quantified Bob.

[Rhyothemis in reply to jimcaster]

re: dosing

More is apparently not better, there is apparently a biphasic dose response (so perhaps the dosing in the Santos et al. 2019 study was appropriate in terms of J/cm2 ?)

Biphasic Dose Response in Low Level Light Therapy – An Updatencbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[jrg54321]

I'm considering joining a trial for it in Massachusetts. I think it's comparing white light to red light though in PD.