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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
A Protocol for Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy in Mice
Published on: November 18, 2018
A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Running Performance
Ana Paula DO Nascimento1,2, Adriano Valmozino DA Silva3, Juliano Casonatto3,1
1Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Northern Paraná (UNOPAR), Londrina, Paraná, BRAZIL.
Objective:
To conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on running performance.
Introduction:
PBM has recently been advocated as a valuable non-pharmacological ergogenic strategy, however, the efficacy of PBM on running performance remains unproven.
Methods:
A computerized literature search was conducted until June 2023. The databases searched were PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were determined through the PICO process. The running variables analyzed were time-trial or time-to-exhaustion. Results were combined with the standardized mean differences (SMD) and the 95% confidence intervals.
Results:
Twelve studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No significant effects in favor of PBM were found (SMD = 0.13; p = 0.11). There was no effect considering the presence (SMD = 0.16; p = 0.38) and absence (SMD = 0.11; p = 0.25) of training, and there was no dose-response effect (p = 0.82).
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that PBM alone or combined with a training program does not improve running performance in terms of time-trial and time-to-exhaustion testing. More studies involving PBM plus training and doses higher than 1000 J are needed to determine if PBM is effective in improving running performance.
