Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages. While traditional treatments such as topical creams and oral medications can be effective, they often require long-term use and may be associated with skin irritation, antibiotic resistance, or other unwanted side effects. As a result, researchers have increasingly explored light-based therapies as a non-invasive alternative or complementary approach.

A recent scientific review examined the growing evidence for lasers and light therapies in acne management. The findings showed that different wavelengths of light support the skin in different ways. Blue light (approximately 415–545 nm) has been shown to target Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the bacteria involved in acne development, while red light (600–650 nm) penetrates more deeply into the skin and helps support a healthy inflammatory response.

The review found that combining blue and red light may provide greater benefits than using either wavelength alone, offering both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers also highlighted positive results from several other light-based technologies, including intense pulsed light (IPL) and a range of medical laser systems, which demonstrated improvements in inflammatory lesions and overall skin appearance.

Although many studies have reported encouraging results, the authors noted that larger, longer-term clinical trials are still needed to strengthen the evidence and determine the most effective treatment protocols.

Current research suggests that light therapy may help support:

• Clearer, healthier-looking skin
• A reduction in inflammatory acne lesions
• A balanced inflammatory response within the skin
• Reduced acne-causing bacteria when blue light is used
• Overall improvements in skin appearance when used consistently

Red and blue light therapy is generally well tolerated and offers a drug-free approach that may complement a broader skincare routine. Individual results can vary depending on the severity of acne, skin type, and consistency of treatment.

PubMed ID: 39340675

Researchers are increasingly investigating transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), the application of red or near-infrared light to the head, as a non-invasive way to support brain function. By delivering light that can reach brain tissue, tPBM is thought to enhance cellular energy production, support healthy neural activity, and influence biological processes involved in mood, cognition, and overall brain health.

A double-blind, randomised controlled trial explored the effects of 810 nm near-infrared light in people receiving methadone maintenance treatment. Seventy participants were randomly assigned to receive either active transcranial photobiomodulation or a sham treatment over a series of nine sessions. Researchers assessed outcomes immediately after treatment and again one and three months later.

Participants who received active treatment experienced significantly greater improvements in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and opioid cravings compared with the control group. Importantly, these benefits were not only observed immediately after treatment but were still present at the one- and three-month follow-up assessments, suggesting lasting effects beyond the treatment period.

Researchers believe these improvements may be linked to photobiomodulation's ability to support mitochondrial function and ATP production while influencing neurotransmitter activity and neural networks involved in emotional regulation and reward processing. The treatment was reported to be safe, non-invasive, and well tolerated throughout the study.

Although the findings are encouraging, the researchers emphasised that the study involved a relatively small number of participants at a single research centre. Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these results and better understand how transcranial photobiomodulation may be used in different populations.

Current research suggests that transcranial photobiomodulation may help support:

• Healthy brain function and cellular energy production
• Emotional wellbeing and mood regulation
• Healthy neural activity
• Mental resilience and cognitive performance
• Overall brain health

While early research is promising, transcranial photobiomodulation is an emerging area of study and should not be considered a replacement for medical or psychological treatment where these are required.

PubMed ID: 39901090

Healthy bones are constantly being renewed through a process of growth, repair, and remodelling. Researchers have explored whether red and near-infrared light therapy can support this process by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts, the specialised cells responsible for building new bone tissue.

A laboratory study investigated the effects of 940 nm pulsed near-infrared light on human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63). The cells were exposed to a range of light intensities and energy doses before researchers measured how quickly they grew and multiplied.

The study found that lower treatment settings produced the greatest benefits. Cells exposed to light at lower power levels showed significantly greater proliferation than untreated cells, with the strongest response occurring at an energy dose of 3 joules. When higher doses were applied, the stimulatory effect decreased, suggesting that photobiomodulation works best within an optimal therapeutic range rather than at the highest possible intensity.

These findings support the growing understanding that near-infrared light may encourage normal bone cell activity by enhancing cellular energy production and supporting the biological processes involved in tissue regeneration. This has led to increasing interest in photobiomodulation across areas such as dentistry, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.

While these results are promising, it is important to note that this was a laboratory study using cultured cells rather than a clinical trial in humans. Further research is needed to determine how these findings translate into real-world treatment and to establish the most effective treatment protocols.

Current research suggests that near-infrared light therapy may help support:

• Healthy bone cell activity
• Natural tissue repair and regeneration
• Cellular energy production (ATP)
• Recovery following injury or surgery
• Overall musculoskeletal health

As with many areas of photobiomodulation research, more high-quality clinical studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding its role in supporting bone health.

PubMed ID: 23559459

This systematic review examined the clinical evidence for photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and its potential role in supporting bone healing and regeneration. From almost 2,000 articles screened, 13 clinical studies were included in the final analysis.

The findings were mixed. Seven studies found no significant improvement in bone regeneration, while four reported positive outcomes, including improvements in bone density and regeneration. The remaining studies compared different treatment parameters without demonstrating clear differences between groups.

Overall, the review suggests that PBMT may have potential to support bone repair, but the evidence remains inconsistent. Significant differences in wavelength, energy density, power, and treatment protocols make direct comparisons between studies difficult.

Further well-designed and standardised clinical trials are needed to establish which treatment parameters are most effective and where PBMT may offer the greatest benefit in supporting bone regeneration.

PubMed ID: 39828883

This review compared two non-invasive technologies studied for bone healing: low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS). It analysed 75 laboratory studies published between 1987 and 2016.

Both approaches demonstrated effects on cells involved in bone formation, including osteoblasts, osteocytes, and stem cells, with studies reporting increased cell proliferation and differentiation, important processes in bone growth and repair.

LLLT showed particularly notable effects on the early proliferation of stem cells before differentiation, highlighting an area of potential interest for bone regeneration and regenerative medicine.

Overall, the findings suggest that light-based therapy may influence biological processes involved in bone formation under laboratory conditions. However, differences in treatment parameters across the studies mean further research is needed to determine the most effective wavelengths, doses, and protocols for clinical use.

PubMed ID: 29126668

The brain relies on a constant supply of oxygen and energy to support memory, concentration, decision-making, and overall cognitive function. Researchers have been investigating whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), the application of near-infrared light to the head, can improve these processes by supporting healthy blood flow and cellular energy production.

In one study, healthy young adults received 10 minutes of 1064 nm near-infrared light applied to the forehead. Researchers used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a non-invasive imaging technique, to monitor changes in blood oxygen levels within the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in attention, planning, and executive function.

The results showed a significant increase in oxygenated haemoglobin alongside a decrease in deoxygenated haemoglobin, indicating improved oxygen delivery and utilisation within the brain. These changes developed gradually during the treatment session and continued for several minutes after the light therapy had ended.

Researchers believe these effects are linked to the stimulation of cytochrome c oxidase, an important mitochondrial enzyme involved in ATP (cellular energy) production. By supporting mitochondrial function, photobiomodulation may help improve the brain's ability to use oxygen efficiently, providing a possible explanation for the cognitive and mental performance benefits observed in other studies.

While this study examined healthy participants and measured physiological changes rather than long-term clinical outcomes, it provides important evidence that near-infrared light can influence brain metabolism and oxygenation in a measurable way.

Current research suggests that transcranial photobiomodulation may help support:

• Healthy cerebral blood flow and oxygenation
• Cellular energy (ATP) production within the brain
• Normal cognitive function
• Mental performance and focus
• Overall brain health

Although research into transcranial photobiomodulation continues to expand, larger clinical studies are needed to better understand its long-term effects and its potential role in supporting neurological health.

PubMed ID: 26817446

This animal study investigated how infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) may influence genes involved in cell survival and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Mice received PBM at either 3 J/cm² or 30 J/cm² for four consecutive days.

Researchers observed changes in the expression of several genes associated with apoptosis, particularly at the higher dose. However, these molecular changes did not result in measurable DNA fragmentation or actual cell death, and the treated tissue remained intact.

The findings demonstrate that PBM can influence cellular signalling in a dose-dependent manner without necessarily causing tissue damage. They also highlight the importance of appropriate dosing when studying and applying photobiomodulation.

As this was an animal study examining short-term molecular responses, further research is needed to understand the wider clinical significance of these findings.

PubMed ID: 30721415

This laboratory study investigated how near-infrared laser therapy using 808 nm and 905 nm wavelengths influenced cell membranes, enzyme activity, and oxidative processes in human red blood cells and cultured breast cancer cells.

In red blood cells, exposure produced dose-dependent changes in membrane enzyme activity and increased antioxidant capacity. Importantly, researchers found no significant changes in key markers of cell membrane integrity or oxidative damage under the conditions studied.

In the cultured breast cancer cells, laser exposure was associated with increased free radical generation over time, demonstrating a different cellular response to the same light treatment.

The findings suggest that near-infrared light may influence redox signalling, antioxidant activity, and cellular processes in different ways depending on the cell type. However, this was a laboratory study using a specialised dual-wavelength laser system, so the findings should not be assumed to apply directly to conventional LED red light therapy devices or clinical outcomes.

PubMed ID: 24718669

This 2021 review explored the biological mechanisms through which photobiomodulation (PBM) may support chronic wound healing.

The research describes how PBM may influence mitochondrial activity and ATP production, triggering cellular signalling pathways involved in cell growth, migration, inflammation, blood vessel formation, collagen production, and tissue repair.

Several important signalling pathways were identified, including MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, and TGF-β/Smad, highlighting the multiple biological processes that may contribute to PBM's effects on wound healing.

The review suggests that PBM has potential as a supportive approach to chronic wound management through its influence on cellular repair and inflammatory processes. However, further clinical research and more standardised treatment protocols are needed to determine the most effective applications.

PubMed ID: 34681882

This double-blind, randomised clinical trial investigated whether LED phototherapy could support microcirculation and healing in chronic lower-limb wounds. Seventy-nine participants, including people with and without diabetes, received either active LED therapy or control light.

Treatment combined 625 nm, 660 nm, and 850 nm wavelengths at a dose of 2.4 J/cm², three times a week for eight weeks.

The treated groups showed significant improvements in local blood flow, measured using laser Doppler, alongside better wound bed assessment scores compared with the control groups.

The findings suggest that combined red and near-infrared LED therapy may offer potential as a supportive treatment alongside standard care for chronic wound healing by improving local microcirculation. Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols.

PubMed ID: 34962147

This animal study investigated how 670 nm red light may influence blood flow and nitric oxide pathways. Mice received short exposures of red light at 50 mW/cm² for 5–10 minutes, resulting in increased blood flow that persisted for at least 30 minutes after treatment.

Researchers identified a potential mechanism involving the mobilisation of nitric oxide-related compounds from blood vessel tissue, which may contribute to vasodilation and improved local circulation.

In a mouse model designed to simulate restricted peripheral blood flow, repeated red light treatment over 14 days was associated with a progressive restoration of circulation in the affected limb, reaching near-normal levels compared with the unrestricted limb.

The findings suggest a potential mechanism through which red light may influence vasodilation and local blood flow. However, as this was an animal study, further clinical research is needed to determine whether similar effects occur in people with impaired circulation or vascular conditions.

PubMed ID: 35586710

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 11 randomised controlled trials investigating whether photobiomodulation (PBM) could support cognitive function in older adults.

Overall, PBM was associated with a moderate improvement in global cognitive function, although outcomes varied depending on treatment parameters. The analysis found stronger effects in studies using multiple wavelengths, while longer cumulative treatment times were also associated with greater improvements.

Studies using transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), where light is directed towards the brain through the scalp, also reported significant cognitive benefits, highlighting an area of growing scientific interest.

The findings suggest that PBM may have potential to support cognitive function during ageing. However, differences in wavelengths, devices, treatment protocols, and study settings mean that further standardised clinical research is needed to determine the most effective approach.

PubMed ID: 40244858

This clinical study investigated whether 453 nm blue LED light could influence symptoms of mild to moderate eczema. Twenty-one participants received localised blue light treatment three times a week for four weeks, with an untreated lesion on the opposite side of the body used for comparison.

The treated areas showed a significantly greater reduction in eczema severity scores compared with the untreated control areas. Treatment was also well tolerated, with no adverse effects reported during the study.

The findings suggest that UV-free blue light may have potential as a supportive approach for managing localised eczema symptoms. However, this was a small study, and further larger controlled trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and determine optimal treatment protocols.

PubMed ID: 27537360

This small case series investigated whether daily at-home 805 nm near-infrared (NIR) LED therapy could influence scar formation following scar revision surgery. Three participants with a history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring used NIR light at 30 mW/cm² for 30 days, with untreated scars used for comparison.

The treated scars showed improvements in clinical scar assessments, photographic evaluation, and 3D measurements, with results followed for up to one year. No adverse effects were reported.

The findings suggest that near-infrared light may influence processes involved in wound healing and abnormal scar formation, potentially through pathways involving TGF-β1. However, with only three participants, much larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

PubMed ID: 20662038

This 2024 systematic review examined eight studies (four clinical and four animal studies) investigating photobiomodulation (PBM) in relation to multiple sclerosis (MS).

The research explored several potential biological mechanisms, including effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and neuroprotection. The clinical studies reported improvements in some measures of motor, sensory, and cognitive function, while animal studies observed effects including reduced demyelination and improved motor performance.

No adverse effects were reported across the studies included in the review.

Overall, the findings highlight PBM as a promising area for further research in MS. However, the current evidence remains limited, and larger, well-controlled clinical trials with standardised treatment parameters are needed before its effectiveness for people with MS can be established.

PubMed ID: 39329016

This review explored how photobiomodulation (PBM) using red and near-infrared light may influence the availability of nitric oxide (NO), an important signalling molecule involved in blood vessel function and circulation.

The research describes several potential mechanisms, including the release of nitric oxide from cellular molecules, activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and increased conversion of nitrite into nitric oxide under low-oxygen conditions.

Through these pathways, PBM may influence blood vessel dilation, circulation, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes. The review also discusses emerging research into longer near-infrared wavelengths and their potential to reach deeper tissues.

Overall, the findings highlight nitric oxide signalling as one possible mechanism behind the vascular effects observed with photobiomodulation. However, much of the evidence remains preclinical, and further clinical research is needed to establish its role in cardiovascular and neurovascular health.

PubMed ID: 36462596

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination as dopamine-producing nerve cells gradually become damaged or lost. While current treatments can help manage symptoms, researchers continue to investigate new approaches that may support brain health and protect nerve cells. One area receiving increasing attention is photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as red and near-infrared light therapy.

A comprehensive 2022 scientific review examined the latest evidence on both cell therapies and photobiomodulation for Parkinson's disease. The review included laboratory research, animal studies, and early human clinical trials to evaluate how these emerging therapies may support neurological function.

The research found that near-infrared wavelengths between 670 and 810 nm showed encouraging neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. These wavelengths appeared to help protect dopamine-producing neurons, reduce oxidative stress, support a healthy inflammatory response, and improve movement and motor function in animal models.

Early clinical studies also reported improvements in several aspects of daily function, including mobility, balance, fine motor control, and certain cognitive measures. In some studies, these benefits continued for up to one year following treatment. Researchers believe these effects may be linked to improved mitochondrial function, increased cellular energy production (ATP), and reduced oxidative damage within the brain.

The review also explored cell-based therapies, which aim to replace or support damaged nerve cells. While both approaches showed promise individually, researchers suggested that combining photobiomodulation with regenerative therapies may offer additional benefits by creating an environment that better supports nerve cell survival and repair.

Although these findings are encouraging, the authors emphasised that much of the evidence is still in the early stages. Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish the most effective treatment protocols and to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness in people with Parkinson's disease.

Current research suggests that photobiomodulation may help support:

• Healthy brain cell function
• Cellular energy production (ATP)
• A balanced inflammatory response within the nervous system
• Normal movement and motor function
• Overall neurological health

Photobiomodulation is an emerging area of neuroscience research and should be considered a complementary wellness technology rather than a replacement for established medical care. Anyone with Parkinson's disease should continue to follow the advice and treatment plan provided by their healthcare team.

PubMed ID: 36743130

This laboratory study investigated how 630 nm red light and 463 nm blue light influence skin cell proliferation and mitochondrial function using human skin models.

Exposure to red light at 44.6 J/cm² significantly increased the proliferation of keratinocytes, the primary cells found in the epidermis. Researchers also observed increased mitochondrial activity, including improvements in basal respiration and ATP production. Repeated red light exposure produced similar increases in epidermal cell proliferation in cultured human skin.

Under the same experimental conditions, blue light did not produce comparable effects on cell proliferation or mitochondrial activity.

The findings suggest that 630 nm red light may support processes involved in skin cell renewal, mitochondrial function, and epidermal maintenance. However, as this was laboratory-based research, further clinical studies are needed to establish how these findings translate to outcomes in people.

PubMed ID: 37753678

This laboratory study investigated how high-dose red light may influence human dermal fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and playing a central role in scar formation and fibrosis.

Using red light at doses of 320–640 J/cm², researchers observed significant changes in gene activity. These included increased expression of MMP1, which is involved in breaking down and remodelling collagen, and PRSS35, a gene associated with anti-fibrotic processes. Increased levels of the MMP-1 protein were also observed.

Red light exposure was additionally associated with reduced fibroblast proliferation and changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting several potential mechanisms through which light may influence fibrosis-related cellular processes.

The findings provide an interesting insight into how red light may influence collagen remodelling and fibrotic pathways. However, this was a laboratory-based cell study using particularly high light doses, so further clinical research is needed to determine whether these effects can be safely and effectively translated into treatments for scars or fibrotic skin conditions.

Nature Scientific Reports: 41598-021-86623-2

This review explored the growing use of LED-based light therapy in dermatology and the biological mechanisms that may contribute to its effects on skin health.

Different wavelengths interact with the skin at different depths. Blue light is primarily used for surface-level applications, including acne-related bacteria, while red light can reach deeper skin layers and influence fibroblast activity, collagen production, inflammation, and cellular repair. Near-infrared light penetrates more deeply and has been investigated for applications involving tissue repair and wound healing.

Clinical research reviewed in the paper included applications across acne, skin rejuvenation, inflammatory skin conditions, hair growth, and wound healing. Studies have reported improvements in areas such as skin texture, collagen density, inflammation, and hair growth, although results and treatment protocols vary between applications.

The review highlights photobiomodulation as a versatile and generally well-tolerated technology within dermatology. However, some medical applications discussed, including precancerous and cancerous skin lesions, use specialised clinical treatments and should not be considered equivalent to general-purpose red light therapy devices.

PubMed ID: 30006754

This clinical study investigated how repeated exposure to visible light (400–700 nm) affects different skin types. Thirty-one participants with either lighter (Fitzpatrick I–II) or darker (Fitzpatrick V–VI) skin received a dose of 120 J/cm² daily for four days.

In participants with darker skin, visible light exposure produced immediate pigment darkening followed by delayed tanning, while no visible pigmentation or redness was observed in the lighter skin group.

Researchers also identified changes in genes involved in melanin production, inflammation, cellular signalling, and tissue remodelling across different skin types, highlighting that visible light can produce biological effects even when visible skin changes are not apparent.

The findings demonstrate that responses to visible light can vary considerably according to skin type, particularly in relation to pigmentation. They also highlight the importance of considering wavelength, dose, and individual skin characteristics when studying the biological effects of light.

PubMed ID: 35861041

This 2024 review analysed 11 in-vivo studies investigating how photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) may influence gene expression during skin repair and wound healing.

Across the studies, PBMT was associated with reduced expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, alongside changes in enzymes involved in extracellular matrix breakdown. Researchers also observed increased expression of genes associated with tissue regeneration and new blood vessel formation, including bFGF and VEGF.

These findings suggest that PBMT may influence molecular pathways involved in inflammation, tissue rebuilding, angiogenesis, and wound closure, providing further insight into the biological mechanisms behind photobiomodulation.

The review highlights a positive influence on several processes associated with skin repair, although further research is needed to better understand its potential effects on epigenetic regulation and DNA repair.

PubMed ID: 39031566

Stretch marks (striae distensae) are a common skin concern that can develop following periods of rapid growth, pregnancy, weight changes, or hormonal fluctuations. Although they are completely normal and harmless, many people look for ways to improve their appearance. Recent research has explored how specific wavelengths of light may help support skin remodelling and collagen production.

A prospective pilot study investigated the effects of a 675 nm laser in 32 women with stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Participants received three treatment sessions spaced one month apart, with results assessed using the Manchester Scar Scale alongside clinical photography.

Six months after the final treatment, researchers found significant improvements in several aspects of the stretch marks, including colour, texture, contour, and overall appearance. Clinical photographs also showed visible improvements in skin texture and elasticity, suggesting positive changes within the skin's structure over time.

The treatment was well tolerated, with participants experiencing only mild, short-lived redness following the sessions. No serious adverse effects were reported.

These findings support the growing evidence that light-based therapies may encourage the skin's natural remodelling processes by stimulating collagen production and supporting healthy tissue repair. However, the researchers noted that this was a small pilot study and that larger, controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.

Current research suggests that light therapy may help support:

• Improved appearance of stretch marks
• Healthier skin texture
• Increased skin elasticity
• Natural collagen production
• Overall skin remodelling and repair

While light therapy cannot completely remove stretch marks, consistent treatment may help improve their appearance over time by supporting the skin's natural regeneration processes.

PubMed ID: 37241073

This 2022 retrospective observational study investigated intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) alongside conventional rehabilitation in 34 people recovering from a first ischaemic stroke.

All participants received standard rehabilitation, while 12 also received ILIB using a 632.8 nm helium-neon laser. The ILIB group showed significantly greater improvement in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, a measure of overall disability and functional independence.

Improvements were also observed in measures of daily living, walking capacity, and upper-limb function, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Balance improvements were greater in the rehabilitation-only group, and no major adverse events related to ILIB were reported.

The findings suggest that ILIB may warrant further investigation as an adjunct to conventional stroke rehabilitation. However, this was a small, retrospective study using a specialised intravascular laser procedure, which is fundamentally different from conventional external red light therapy. Larger controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

PubMed ID: 36219758

This animal study investigated how low-level light therapy at 685 nm may influence the healing and integration of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafts.

Rats received light therapy at a dose of 4 J/cm². Compared with untreated controls, treated grafts showed reduced swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration, alongside earlier fibroblast activity and significantly greater collagen deposition, particularly by day 14.

The findings suggest that red light therapy may support biological processes involved in tissue repair, collagen formation, and graft integration. However, as this was an animal study, further clinical research is needed to determine how these effects translate to humans.

PubMed ID: 19593638

This systematic review analysed six clinical studies investigating whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) could influence cognitive function in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Across the studies, tPBM was associated with improvements in aspects of cognitive function, particularly in people with chronic TBI. Researchers have proposed several potential mechanisms, including changes in cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, brain connectivity, and neurological function.

However, the studies varied considerably in their wavelengths, doses, devices, and treatment protocols, making it difficult to determine the most effective approach. Most studies were also relatively small, with a lack of large randomised controlled trials.

Overall, the findings highlight tPBM as a promising area for further research into cognitive rehabilitation following TBI. However, larger, well-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and establish standardised treatment protocols.

PubMed ID: 38952831

This clinical study investigated whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) could influence working memory and attention in adults with ADHD. Forty-eight participants received near-infrared light at 1064 nm, applied to the forehead daily for seven days.

Researchers reported significant improvements in measures of working memory and sustained attention, particularly during more demanding cognitive tasks. The strongest improvements were observed two to three weeks after treatment, with participants who had lower cognitive scores at the start of the study showing the greatest gains.

The treatment was generally well tolerated, with only a small number of mild and temporary side effects reported.

The findings suggest that tPBM may have potential for supporting aspects of cognitive function in adults with ADHD. However, further controlled clinical research is needed to confirm these results and establish optimal treatment protocols.

PubMed ID: 40244858

This clinical study investigated how repeated transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) may influence working memory and brain activity in older adults. Sixty-one participants received 1064 nm near-infrared light for 12 minutes daily over seven days, with follow-up assessments conducted over three weeks.

A single session was associated with reduced activation in areas of the right hemisphere during demanding memory tasks, while repeated sessions produced broader changes across both hemispheres. Alongside improved task performance, researchers interpreted these changes as potentially reflecting greater neural efficiency—with the brain requiring less activation to perform certain cognitive tasks.

Some effects persisted for up to two weeks after treatment, including changes in brain regions involved in working memory and language processing.

The findings suggest that repeated tPBM may influence cognitive performance and patterns of brain activity associated with ageing. However, further controlled research is needed to confirm these effects and establish optimal treatment parameters.

PubMed ID: 37030744

This 2004 meta-analysis reviewed 24 studies and 31 effect sizes investigating the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing.

Overall, the analysis found a positive effect on tissue repair, with benefits reported across both animal and human studies. Observed outcomes included improved collagen synthesis, increased tissue strength, reduced wound size, shorter healing times, and changes in the inflammatory response associated with healing.

The overall effect was larger in animal studies (d = +1.97) than in human clinical research (d = +0.54), highlighting the importance of distinguishing between preclinical and clinical evidence.

The findings support the potential of LLLT as an approach for supporting wound repair. However, treatment methods and study designs varied, and further high-quality clinical research is needed to establish the most effective protocols.

PubMed ID: 15315732