DOES PHOTOBIOMODULATION IMPROVE MUSCLE PERFORMANCE AND RECOVERY? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT Photobiomodulation (PBM) appears to limit exercise-induced muscle damage, improve biochemical and functional recovery, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) in skeletal muscle recovery after exercise, addressing the different types of lasers and parameters used. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of PBM were included. The primary outcome evaluated was performance, and the secondary was inflammatory marker expression. The searches were conducted in March 2021. Fifteen RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were included. There was significant variability regarding the doses and wavelengths used, as well as in the types of lasers. However, in most studies, PBM promoted improvement of maximum voluntary contraction, better oxygen consumption, increased time to achieve exhaustion and fatigue, and decreased creatine kinase (CK), oxidative stress, and fatigue markers, mainly when used before exercise. Photobiomodulation applied before exercise, regardless of variations in doses and wavelengths, improves muscle performance and decreases levels of inflammation and fatigue markers. Evidence level II; Systematic review of level II studies.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Oliveira,Ana Flávia Spadaccini Silva de, Silva,Jéssica Lúcio da, Camillo,Carlos Augusto Marcal, Andraus,Rodrigo Antonio Carvalho, Maia,Luciana Prado
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Exercício e do Esporte 2023
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1517-86922023000100500
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!