Actively Recruiting
The Effect of Near-infrared Light Therapy on Brain Function and Cognition in Young and Older Adults
Led by University of Oklahoma · Updated on 2026-02-06
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
65 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to test whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using near-infrared light, can improve brain blood flow regulation (neurovascular coupling) and cognitive function in older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does tPBM enhance neurovascular coupling responses during memory and finger tapping tasks? * Are these improvements linked to better cognitive performance and lower levels of brain inflammation and oxidative stress? Researchers will compare an active tPBM treatment arm to a sham treatment arm to see if tPBM leads to measurable improvements in brain activity and cognitive function compared to no active stimulation. Participants will: * Receive either active tPBM or sham stimulation sessions for 4 weeks, every other day using a portable intervention device. * Complete questionnaires and an iPAD-based cognitive testing protocol * Complete memory and motor tasks while their brain activity is measured using non-invasive techniques: simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial doppler (TCD) flowmetry. * Retinal vessel reactivity will be measured during flickering light stimulus using a special camera (dynamic vessel analysis, DVA). * Provide blood samples to test for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and brain cell damage.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The Effect of Near-infrared Light Therapy on Brain Function and Cognition in Young and Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 21 and 85 years
- Adequate hearing and visual ability to participate in examinations
- Ability to read and write in English
- Competence to give informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Active central nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis, uncontrolled seizures, or active brain cancer
- Stroke other than TIA within 60 days before the first visit
- Major psychiatric conditions including uncontrolled major depression, alcohol or drug abuse
- Current use of commercial or experimental brain stimulation devices
- Current use of dietary supplements expected to benefit cerebrovascular health
- Unstable medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, chronic heart disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or uncontrolled Stage 2 hypertension
- Any medical condition or medication judged by the investigator to make participation unsafe or inappropriate
- Pregnancy, trying to become pregnant within one month, or breastfeeding
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Oklahoma Health Campus
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, 73104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Peter Mukli, MD, PhD
CONTACT
N
Norbert S Dosa, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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