Cutting Edge NEW Research on the benefits of Light Therapy.
NOTE: Researchers use several terms to describe “light therapy”. Photobiomodulation, low level light therapy (LLLT), phototherapy, photon therapy, photo energy, heliotherapy, and sometimes red, blue or (near) infrared (ir)radiation are synonymous; they all refer to light therapy.
IMMUNITY/SKIN DISORDERS
Light-Emitting Diode at 460 ± 20 nm Increases the Production of IL-12 and IL-6 in Murine Dendritic Cells.
June 15, 2017
This study determined that LED therapy stimulates cytokine production and an anti-inflammatory response in tested skin disorders.
Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Photobiomodulation with Near Infrared Light Helmet in a Pilot, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial in Dementia Patients Testing Memory and Cognition.
Feb 28, 2017
This placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that intra-cranial application of Near Infrared Light resulted in positive changes in executive functioning, immediate recall, praxis memory, and visual attention, as well as improved EEG amplitude and increased neuroplasticity in dementia patients.
TBI
Photobiomodulation and the brain: a new paradigm.
Jan 19, 2017
This study focused on treating Traumatic Brain Injury with LLLT. It found that after treatment, mice with TBI had improved memory & learning, increased neuroprogenitor cells, and multiple highly beneficial effects on the brain, indicating that LLLT applications are much broader than originally thought.
PHYSICAL TRAINING
Effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light-emitting diodes (LEDT) applied during combined training on performance and post-exercise recovery: protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
May 20, 2017
Current study analyzing the effects of LLLT & LEDT on physical training performance & post-exercise recovery. The first study of its kind, with the aim of determining the effects of phototherapy and combined training on clinical, functional, and psychological outcomes, as well as on vascular endothelial growth factor.
PAIN
Comparison of photobiomodulation therapy and suprascapular nerve-pulsed radiofrequency in chronic shoulder pain: a randomized controlled, single-blind, clinical trial.
May 25, 2017
This randomized study compared photobiomodulation therapy and suproascapular nerve-pulsed radiofrequency and determined that photobiomodulation therapy is an effective – and superior – treatment for chronic shoulder pain.
DENTAL/INFLAMMATION
Low-Level Laser Therapy After Wisdom Teeth Surgery: Evaluation of Immunologic Markers (Secretory Immunoglobulin A and Lysozyme Levels) and Thermographic Examination: Placebo Controlled Study.
May 16, 2017
This study investigated the effect of LLLT on pain & inflammation connected with surgical removal of impacted molars. It found that light at 830nm (infrared) penetrates to deep tissues and had a positive effect on pain & inflammation.
DENTAL PAIN
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the photobiomodulation in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity after basic therapy. A randomized clinical trial.
May 1, 2017
This randomized clinical trial found that red light (660nm) significantly reduced dental discomfort immediately after treatment, and continued to demonstrate a decrease for the duration of the study without detrimental side effects.
EYES/REGENERATION
Photostimulation of mitochondria as a treatment for retinal neurodegeneration.
May 9, 2017
This study found that red and near infrared light have potent neuroprotective effects for retinal damage, including improved neuronal mitochondrial function, increased blood flow to neural tissues, upregulation of cell survival mediators, and restoration of normal microglial function.
DIABETES/NEUROPATHY
Influence of low-level laser on pain and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic dermopathy - A case report.
May 11, 2017
Diabetic dermopathy is the most common skin lesion found in patients with diabetes. This case study found that infrared light drastically improved skin lesions and neuropathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and in as little as 21 days, skin colour returned to normal.
INFECTION
Photodynamic therapy controls of Staphylococcus aureus intradermal infection in mice.
June 23, 2017
The initial findings of this study show that blue light may be effective in treating resistant Staphylococcus infections.
PSORIASIS
A Systematic Review of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Phototherapy for Treatment of Psoriasis: An Emerging Therapeutic Modality.
May 1, 2017
This study aims to prove that combined wavelengths (blue, red & infrared) of LED light is a cost-effective, safe, and portable treatment option for psoriasis.
DENTAL/PAIN
Immediate and short-term effects of phototherapy on pain, muscle activity, and joint mobility in women with temporomandibular disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
June 11, 2017
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that a single session of phototherapy can reduce pain intensity in patients with TMD, indicating that light is an effective modality in the intervention of pain symptoms and increasing the comfort of patients immediately.
INFLAMMATION/ASTHMA
Light-Emitting Diode treatment ameliorates allergic lung inflammation in experimental model of asthma induced by ovalbumin.
Apr 18, 2017
This study investigates the effects of LED light on lung inflammation and found that LED treatment of asthmatic mice reduced lung cell infiltration, mucus production, the oedema, and the tracheal’s contractile response.
INFLAMMATION
Photobiomodulation reduces abdominal adipose tissue inflammatory infiltrate of diet-induced obese and hyperglycemic mice.
Dec 9, 2016
This study found that infrared light lowered blood glucose levels and inflammatory response on obese and hypoglycemic mice.
INFLAMMATION/PSORIASIS
The effect of phototherapy on systemic inflammatory process in patients with plaque psoriasis.
Aug 2016
This study found that phototherapy treatment in patients with psoriasis affects systemic inflammation by downregulation of the expression of genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines.
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Disclaimer: The content of this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be construed as such. Light devices are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. If you have a disease or illness, consult with your physician or health care provider prior to using any light device. Use only as directed by manufacturer.