Comparison between single-diode low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and LED multi-diode (cluster) therapy (LEDT)...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Photomedicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Anecdotal evidence suggests low-level laser therapy (LLLT) impacts muscle fatigue and recovery.
• Manufacturers claim cluster probes (LEDT) are more effective than single-diode lasers.
• Controlled trials comparing LEDT and single-diode LLLT are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of single-diode LLLT and cluster LEDT before heavy exercise.
• To evaluate the impact of LEDT and LLLT on muscle damage and recovery.
• To assess performance changes and blood lactate levels post-exercise.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over study.
• Eight young male volleyball players participated.
• Wingate cycle tests were performed after pretreatment with active LEDT, placebo LEDT, or active single-diode LLLT on the rectus femoris muscle.

Main Results:

• Active LEDT significantly decreased post-exercise creatine kinase (CK) levels compared to placebo and single-diode LLLT.
• No significant enhancement in Wingate test performance was observed with any LLLT or LEDT protocol.
• Post-exercise blood lactate levels were not significantly reduced, though a trend was noted.

Conclusions:

• Active LEDT probes effectively reduced post-exercise CK levels in this study.
• Pre-exercise LEDT or LLLT did not significantly improve performance or reduce blood lactate levels.
• Further research is warranted to explore the trend of lower blood lactate levels.