Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Parkinson’s Disease—Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy

As the main driver of energy production in eukaryotes, mitochondria are invariably implicated in disorders of cellular bioenergetics. Given that dopaminergic neurons affected in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are particularly susceptible to energy fluctuations by their high basal energy demand, it is not surprising to note that mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a compelling candidate underlying…

Applications of photobiomodulation in hearing research: from bench to clinic

Hearing loss is very common and economically burdensome. No accepted therapeutic modality for sensorineural hearing loss is yet available; most clinicians emphasize rehabilitation, placing hearing aids and cochlear implants. Photobiomodulation (PBM) employs light energy to enhance or modulate the activities of specific organs, and is a popular non-invasive therapy used to treat skin lesions and…

Photobiomodulation Therapy on Physiological and Performance Parameters During Running Tests

This study was aimed at verifying effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with different energy doses (15, 30, and 60 J per site) on physiological and performance parameters during running tests. Fifteen male recreational runners participated in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. They performed testing protocol in 5 sessions with different treatments: control, placebo,…

Phototherapy during treadmill training improves quadriceps performance in postmenopausal women

This study evaluated the effects of infrared-light-emitting diode (LED) during treadmill training on functional performance. Thirty postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups and successfully completed the full study. The three groups were: (1) the LED group, which performed treadmill training associated with phototherapy (n = 10); (2) the…

Increased Functional Connectivity Within Intrinsic Neural Networks in Chronic Stroke Following Treatment With Red/Near-Infrared Transcranial Photobiomodulation

This case series explored effects of four different transcranial, red/near-infrared (NIR), light-emitting diode (tLED) protocols on naming ability in persons with aphasia (PWA) due to left hemisphere (LH) stroke. This is the first study to report beneficial effects from tLED therapy in chronic stroke, and parallel changes on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Conclusion. NIR…

Transcranial, Red/Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diode Therapy to improve cognition in chronic traumatic brain injury

Study reviews the general topic of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and research utilizing transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to improve cognition in chronic TBI using red/near-infrared (NIR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver light to the head. Transcranial Photobiomodulation improves mitochondrial function increasing oxygen consumption, production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and improving cellular energy stores. Nitric oxide is…

Integrative Therapeutic Options for Treating Stage Four Breast Cancer

Traditional Western medicine treats breast cancer – the most commonly occurring cancer in women with some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Few doctors’ council their patients to use complementary modalities and some forbid their use. However, complementary therapies in the form of agents or activities that minimize exposure to toxins, detoxify the body,…