Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
08:51
The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Published on: January 22, 2012
19.3K
Therapeutic Photobiomodulation Before Strenuous Exercise Attenuates Shoulder Muscle Fatigue
Joshua A Crow1, John W Stauffer1,2, David Levine3
1Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville.
Journal of Athletic Training
|November 28, 2023
Summary
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) significantly reduced muscle fatigue and enhanced shoulder external rotator performance during strenuous exercise. This noninvasive treatment improves muscular function and may reduce injury risk.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a preconditioning treatment that can reduce fatigue and improve muscle function during high-intensity exercise.
- PBMT offers a safe, noninvasive method to enhance athletic performance and lower the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the fatigue-attenuating effects of PBMT on shoulder external rotator muscles.
- To evaluate PBMT's impact on performance during high-intensity, high-volume resistance exercise.
Main Methods:
- A sham-controlled, crossover study was conducted in a laboratory setting.
- Twenty healthy participants (8 men, 12 women, aged 18-30) received PBMT or sham treatment.
- Participants performed 12 sets of isokinetic shoulder exercises, with PBMT applied to external rotator muscles before exercise.
Main Results:
- Active PBMT resulted in 6.2% to 10% greater performance measures (peak torque, total work, average power) compared to sham treatment.
- Improvements were observed during the final block of strenuous exercise (sets 9-12).
- Statistical significance was achieved with P < .02 to P < .001.
Conclusions:
- PBMT effectively attenuated muscle fatigue in the shoulder external rotators.
- The therapy enhanced muscular performance during the demanding later stages of resistance exercise.
- PBMT presents a viable strategy for improving endurance and reducing fatigue in athletes.
