Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Muscle Fatigue and Damage Caused by Electrical Stimulation in Healthy Adults

What this Trial Is About

This trial investigates the effects of photobiomodulation PBM on muscle fatigue, damage, and function caused by neuromuscular electrical stimulation NMES in healthy young adults. Fatigue and discomfort often limit NMESs clinical use, so this study evaluates whether PBM applied before NMES can reduce these issues and improve muscle performance. The research is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial led by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Participants will receive either active PBM using a cluster probe delivering specific laser and LED light doses to eight points on the quadriceps, or a placebo treatment with the device turned off. Five minutes after PBM, participants undergo a 20-minute NMES protocol inducing muscle fatigue through 80 isometric contractions at 20% of their maximum strength. Both treatments involve protective goggles, and the study includes two parallel groups active PBM and sham PBM. Participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after NMES, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-intervention. Measurements include maximum voluntary isometric contraction, evoked fatigue during NMES, muscle echo intensity and thickness by ultrasound, muscle soreness, functional performance via vertical jump, joint movement, muscle activation, and discomfort. The study monitors muscle recovery and fatigue effects to explore if PBM can optimize NMES use safely over a total follow-up of 4 days.

Photobiomodulation Effects on Fatigue and Muscle Damage Induced by NMES