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Photobiomodulation TherapyNCT06252467

Photobiomodulation Therapy on Performance in Successive Cycling Tests

A study testing Photobiomodulation Therapy in people with Photobiomodulation Therapy and Cyclists, run by Marco Aurélio Vaz, PhD at 1 site in Brazil.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on performance, oxygen uptake (VO2 kinetics), and lower limb muscle oxygenation during three successive time-to-exhaustion tests (TTEs) in cyclists. This was a double blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial study. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Photobiomodulation Therapy, Cyclists, Performance
What is being tested?
Photobiomodulation Therapy
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
16 participants
Where
1 siteBrazil
Study dates
14 Jul 2014to 11 Oct 2023
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 30 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Cyclists aged 18-30 years;
  • Competitive history;
  • No history of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs in the last two years.

Who cannot join

  • Chronic disease;
  • Smoking;
  • Metabolic disorders;
  • Use of steroids in the last six months;
  • Physical disabilities;
  • Use of antibiotic drugs in the previous week.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Brazil1 site
  • Marco Aurélio Vaz

    Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90690200

Other trials in Brazil

About this study

Official title: Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Performance in Successive Time-to-Exhaustion Cycling Tests: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo Controlled Trial

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on performance, oxygen uptake (VO2 kinetics), and lower limb muscle oxygenation during three successive time-to-exhaustion tests (TTEs) in cyclists. This was a double blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial study. Sixteen cyclists (~23 years old), with a cycling training volume of ~460 km/week, volunteered for this study. In the first session, cyclists performed a maximal incremental test to determine maximal oxygen uptake and maximal power output (POMAX). In the following sessions, cyclists performed three consecutive TTEs at POMAX. Before each test, PBMT (135 J/thigh) or a placebo (PLA) PBMT was applied to both thighs. VO2 amplitude, O2 deficit, time delay, oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), and total hemoglobin (tHb) were measured during tests on the right vastus lateralis. The PBMT, applied before three successive TTE, increased performance of the first and second TTE (~10-12%) tests, speed of VO2 and HHb kinetics during the first test, and increased peripheral muscle oxygenation (increase in HHb and tHb) in the first and second exhaustion tests. However, the PBMT effects were attenuated in the third TTE, as performance and all the other outcomes were similar to the ones from the PLA intervention. In summary, PBMT application increased the first and second successive TTEs, speed of VO2, and muscle oxygenation.

Read the detailed description

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on performance, oxygen uptake (VO2 kinetics), and lower limb muscle oxygenation during three successive time-to-exhaustion tests (TTEs) in cyclists. Our study was characterized as a crossover, randomized, double-blind trial (blinding of the cyclists and the researcher responsible for evaluations). All protocols were explained to the participants, who voluntarily provided their consent to participate in the investigation through an informed consent document. This study received approval from the Research Ethics Committee for Human Subjects Studies at the institution where the research was conducted (number 708.362). Inclusion criteria involved cyclists aged 18-30 years, with a competitive history and no history of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs in the last two years. Exclusion criteria included chronic disease, smoking, metabolic disorders, use of steroids in the last six months, chronic disease, physical disabilities, and use of antibiotic drugs in the previous week. The cyclists participating in the present study had ~6.5 years of regular training/competition and no history of lower limb muscular and/or skeletal injuries. Each cyclist visited the laboratory on three occasions. At the first visit, cyclists performed a maximum incremental test and familiarization to three successive TTEs. At the two subsequent visits, participants performed a standard protocol of three successive TTEs at maximal power output (POMAX) with preferred cadence, and PBMT or placebo (PLA) treatments were applied before each trial. The three testing days were performed with a 72h interval apart. A single therapist was involved with the random allocation of the PBMT and PLA interventions. This therapist received instructions not to disclose the treatment modality employed during each assessment session to either the cyclists or other researchers involved with data collection and data analysis. Furthermore, cyclists utilized opaque eyewear to shield their eyes and obstruct their visual access (visual blinding) during the PBMT or PLA intervention. The therapist was explicitly advised against revealing the treatment modality to both the cyclists and the other researchers. PBMT did not elicit any thermal or tactile sensations, thereby ensuring that athletes remained unaware of the specific application on their thigh area. The random assignment was determined through a basic drawing of lots during the first testing session, determining the allocation of either active PBMT or inactive PLA.

Being tested
Photobiomodulation Therapy, Placebo Photobiomodulation
Keywords
Phototherapy, VO2 response, muscle oxygenation, cyclists, performance

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Photobiomodulation TherapyDevice

    Phototherapy treatment (Photobiomodulation therapy or placebo) was performed using a Photobiomodulation therapy device (Vectra Genisys Systems, Chattanooga Group, Dallas, TX, USA). The cluster probe consisted of five low-level laser therapy diodes (850 nm) and 28 light emitting diodes therapy (670 nm, 880 nm, and 950 nm). Photobiomodulation therapy was applied in nine sites of each quadriceps femoris muscle

    . A dosage of 15 J per site led to a total energy of 135 J per thigh, effectively increasing cycling performance in a previous study. We chose to apply Photobiomodulation therapy specifically to the quadriceps femoris because this muscle group is of utmost significance in generating torque and propelling the pedaling cycle. Its pivotal role in cycling performance made this muscle a prime target for the Photobiomodulation therapy intervention in our study.

  • Placebo PhotobiomodulationDevice

    The placebo treatment was performed in exactly the same manner as the Photobiomodulation therapy treatment, but with the device switched off, and the cluster was held stationary in contact with the skin at a 90° angle, with light pressure on the skin. The total application time of Photobiomodulation therapy or placebo was ~5 min for both limbs (9 points per thigh = 18 points × 16 s per point) before each time-to-exhaustion test.

Study groups in NCT06252467
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Active ComparatorActive comparatorDevice: Active Photobiomodulation Therapy Phototherapy treatment (Photobiomodulation therapy or placebo) was performed using a Photobiomodulation therapy device (Vectra Genisys Systems, Chattanooga Group, Dallas, TX, USA). The cluster probe consisted of five low-level laser therapy diodes (850 nm) and 28 light emitting diodes therapy (670 nm, 880 nm, and 950 nm). Photobiomodulation therapy was applied in nine sites of each quadriceps femoris muscle . A dosage of 15 J per site led to a total energy of 135 J per thigh, effectively increasing cycling performance in a previous study. We chose to apply Photobiomodulation therapy specifically to the quadriceps femoris because this muscle group is of utmost significance in generating torque and propelling the pedaling cycle. Its pivotal role in cycling performance made this muscle a prime target for the Photobiomodulation therapy intervention in our study.
Receives: Device: Photobiomodulation Therapy
Placebo ComparatorPlacebo comparatorDevice: Placebo Photobiomodulation The placebo treatment was performed in exactly the same manner as the Photobiomodulation therapy treatment, but with the device switched off, and the cluster was held stationary in contact with the skin at a 90° angle, with light pressure on the skin. The total application time of Photobiomodulation therapy or placebo was ~5 min for both limbs (9 points per thigh = 18 points × 16 s per point) before each time-to-exhaustion test.
Receives: Device: Placebo Photobiomodulation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Cycling performance

    Cyclists performed the three successive time-to-exhaustion at maximal power output at their preferred cadence. Exhaustion was defined as the time when the cyclist was unable to maintain a cadence above 70 rotations per minute. During the successive time-to-exhaustion, cadence and power output were measured using the cycle ergometer software (Excalibur Sport, Lode Medical Technology, Groningen, Groninga, The Netherlands). The cyclists' evaluation was conducted utilizing a cycle ergometer (Excalibur Sport, Lode Medical Technology, Groningen, Groninga, The Netherlands) configured to match their bike's handlebar and seat settings.

    Measured: Cyclits performed a standard protocol of three successive tests to exhaustion at maximal power output with preferred cadence, and photobiomodulation therapy or placebo treatments were applied before each trial. The three testing days were performed

  2. Oxygen uptake

    Oxygen uptake was measured breath-by-breath using an open-circuit gas analyzer (Quark CPET, Cosmed, Rome, Lazio, Italy). Oxygen uptake measurements were plotted to facilitate the exclusion of values lying beyond four standard deviations above or below the average of the dynamic window (three breaths), taken as the reference for the overall curve average. Analysis of oxygen uptake kinetics during successive time-to-exhaustion was converted into 5 seconds windows, and mean values were calculated. The analysis of oxygen uptake kinetics was dependent on the duration of the three time-to-exhaustion for each athlete in each condition (Photobiomodulation therapy or placebo). Oxygen uptake kinetics were calculated with the nonlinear least-squares method implemented in MATLAB (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA) to adjust the oxygen uptake data.

    Measured: Oxygen uptake response was measured during the three sucessive time-to-exhaustion in two days (Photobiomodulation Therapy or Placebo) with a 72 hours interval apart.

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Periphery muscle oxygenation

    Peripheral muscle oxygenation data collection was performed using a NIRS (PortaMon, Artinis Medical Systems, Elst, Guéldria, Netherlands) probe (light emitting and photoreceptor), which was positioned in the vastus lateralis muscle belly of the right lower limb, longitudinally located between the femur's lateral epicondyle and trochanter, fixed with adhesive tape (3M Company, Saint Paul, MN, USA), and wrapped by the cyclist's bretelle to prevent light penetration during all time-to-exhaustion. Data from the NIRS system were analyzed from average windows every 20% of the time-to-exhaustion tests and retests. The oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin were evaluated. Furthermore, oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin values were normalized by their respective mean values obtained at rest before the first time-to-exhaustion in each condition, which were used to compare the experimental situations (Phobiomodulation Therapy or Placebo).

    Measured: Periphery muscle oxygenation response was measured during the three sucessive time-to-exhaustion in two days (Photobiomodulation Therapy or Placebo) with a 72 hours interval apart.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Feb 2024
  2. Study start14 Jul 2014
  3. Primary completion23 May 2023
  4. Study completion11 Oct 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
Crossover Assignment Crossover, randomized, double-blind trial (blinding of the cyclists and the researcher responsible for evaluations)
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
16 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06252467
Sponsor's protocol ID
708.362
Status last verified
Feb 2024
First submitted
14 Nov 2023
Last updated
9 Feb 2024
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Photobiomodulation Therapy in people with Photobiomodulation Therapy and Cyclists, run by Marco Aurélio Vaz, PhD at 1 site in Brazil.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Feb 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Brazil. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Cycling performance (time frame: Cyclits performed a standard protocol of three successive tests to exhaustion at maximal power output with preferred cadence, and photobiomodulation therapy or placebo treatments were applied before each trial. The three testing days were performed). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Feb 2024.

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