Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Applying a Three-dimensional Uniaxial Mechanical Stimulation Bioreactor System to Induce Tenogenic Differentiation of Tendon-Derived Stem Cells
Published on: August 1, 2020
Photobiomodulation Enhances Tendon Regeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies
Yose Waluyo1, Diah Nurul Islami Muchsin2, Muthiah Nur Afifah2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Hasanuddin University Makassar Indonesia.
Purpose:
To evaluate the preclinical evidence supporting the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapies in tendon regeneration.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify in vivo animal studies evaluating photobiomodulation therapies for tendon healing. Quantitative meta-analyses were performed for homogeneous outcomes using a random-effects model.
Results:
Out of 4946 screened articles, 36 met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses revealed that photobiomodulation significantly downregulated proinflammatory IL-1β (mean difference [MD] = -46.14 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -66.45 to -25.84; P < .00001) and upregulated anti-inflammatory IL-10 (MD = +49.14 pg/mL; 95% CI = 37.41-60.86; P < .00001), indicating a bidirectional immunomodulatory effect. Histologically, photobiomodulation increased the collagen type I/III ratio (standardized MD = +3.0; 95% CI = 2.4-3.6). Functionally, load-bearing strength improved significantly compared with controls (MD = +10.07 N; 95% CI = 3.01-17.13; P = .005) with photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode), whereas photochemical tissue bonding showed higher tensile strength (MD = +0.57 MPa; 95% CI = 0.37-0.78; P < .00001), reflecting enhanced early mechanical stabilization through sutureless photochemical repair.
Conclusions:
Photobiomodulation therapies promote tendon regeneration in both acute and chronic injury models, enhancing tendon regeneration at molecular, histological, and functional levels.
Clinical Relevance:
These findings support the potential of photobiomodulation therapies, providing a foundation for clinical trials in human populations to refine rehabilitation protocols and improve musculoskeletal outcomes.
