Photobiomodulation improves neuromuscular deficits related to concussions and repetitive head impacts

By Josh Wu. This article was initially published in the 12/12/24 edition of our Concussion Update newsletter; please consider subscribing.

A new clinical study conducted by David Tate et al. at the University of Utah looked at the relationship between photobiomodulation (PBM) and neuromuscular control, specifically targeting patients with concussions or repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs). The physiological aftermath of concussions or RHAEs is linked to subtle yet cumulative brain abnormalities that impair motor control, balance, and reaction time.

The authors of the study, published in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, hypothesized that using red or near-infrared light intranasal and transcranial PBM (itPBM) can alleviate these neuromuscular deficits. After following an 8-week protocol using the Vielight Neuro Gamma device, participants exhibited significant improvements in reaction time, balance scores, and grip strength for both hands. Vielight produced a 7-minute video that explains the study and results.

In the study, 43 participants (aged 18-69) performed a baseline assessment consisting of reaction time, grip strength, dexterity (Grooved Pegboard Test), and balance (measured by MiniBEST). Afterward, participants self-administered itPBM using a headset with light-emitting diodes (the Vielight Neuro Gamma) targeting cortical and nasal regions over an eight-week period. The protocol involved 20-minute treatments every other day. 

While the mechanism for the improvements is not known, the researchers proposed three non-exclusive possibilities for how itPBM affected neuromuscular control: The light improves circulation, repairs mitochondrial damage, or reduces inflammatory processes. PBM is still an emerging field in neuroscience, so more research must be conducted before mass adoption of this therapeutic.

While the study published promising results, some limitations of the study were the small and predominantly male sample. Also, the participants self-administered their treatment, which created the possibility of variability in treatment procedures. Other daily habits like exercise and nutrition were not controlled for. While this study only looked at physical measures of neuromuscular control, future studies should corroborate the results with corresponding improvements in neural activity or health in the brain.