Ankle DorsiflexionDIAERESISNCT07477678
Red Light Therapy: a Potential Strategy to Reduce Sports Injury Risk?
A study testing Near-infrared photobiomodulation and Cycling Warm-up in people with Ankle Dorsiflexion, run by Cláudio da Silva Ferreira at 1 site in Portugal.
Trial summary
This study investigates whether near-infrared light therapy can acutely improve ankle dorsiflexion mobility and hamstring flexibility, two factors associated with sports injury risk. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any ageHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Ankle Dorsiflexion
- What is being tested?
- Near-infrared photobiomodulation and Cycling Warm-up
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePortugal
- Study dates
- 23 Mar 2026to 20 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 Any age
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Active and healthy university students
- No current pain or injury in the lower limbs
- Ability to perform the Knee-to-Wall Test (KWT) and Active Knee Extension Test (AKET)
- Availability to attend all three sessions with at least 72 hours between assessments
- Signed informed consent
Who cannot join
- Use of photosensitizing medication currently or within the past 3 weeks (as collected in the medical questionnaire)
- Recent musculoskeletal injury of the lower limbs or any sports-related injury with relevant downtime
- Presence of pain, joint limitation, or any medical condition preventing safe performance of KWT or AKET
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Mário Alexandre Gonçalves Lopes, PhD contact
Portugal1 site
Human Movement Laboratory, Escola Superior de Saúde da Universidade de Aveiro (ESSUA)
Aveiro, Aveiro District, 3810-193
Cláudio da Silva Ferreira, MSc Student, +351 913880653, claudioferreira90@ua.pt
Mário Alexandre Gonçalves Lopes, PhD, mariolopes77@ua.pt
About this study
This study investigates whether near-infrared light therapy can acutely improve ankle dorsiflexion mobility and hamstring flexibility, two factors associated with sports injury risk. Healthy adult students will complete three randomized conditions: a control session, a 10-minute cycling warm-up, and a 10-minute exposure to a red and near-infrared LED panel (MITO LIGHT®). Mobility and flexibility will be assessed before and after each condition using the Knee-to-Wall Test (KWT) and the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET). The study aims to determine whether photobiomodulation may serve as a potential strategy to reduce musculoskeletal injury risk.
Read the detailed description
This randomized crossover study examines the acute effects of near-infrared LED-based photobiomodulation on ankle dorsiflexion mobility and hamstring flexibility in healthy adults. Each participant will complete three sessions in randomized order: (1) control, (2) 10-minute cycling warm-up, and (3) 10-minute exposure to a red and near-infrared LED panel (MITO LIGHT®), emitting wavelengths range of 800-860 nm. The LED panel will be positioned at 15 cm distance at 100% intensity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include the Knee-to-Wall Test (KWT) and the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET). The study is conducted at the Human Movement Laboratory of the University of Aveiro and follows ethical approval from the CEIC-UA. Data will be anonymized and processed according to GDPR. The goal is to determine whether photobiomodulation may contribute to reducing sports injury risk by improving key biomechanical parameters.
- Conditions
- Ankle Dorsiflexion
- Being tested
- Near-infrared photobiomodulation, Cycling Warm-up
- Keywords
- Red light therapy, Photobiomodulation, Ankle dorsiflexion, Hamstring flexibility, Sports injury prevention, Mito Light
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Near-infrared photobiomodulationDevice
Exposure to a near-infrared LED panel emitting wavelengths range of 800-860 nm for 10 minutes at a distance of 15 cm and 100% intensity. Mobility and flexibility tests (KWT and AKET) are performed immediately before and after the exposure.
Cycling Warm-upOther
10 minutes cycling warm-up on a stationary cycle ergometer at 55-75% of maximum heart rate, followed by mobility and flexibility assessments.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | 10 minutes lying-down rest before assessments |
| Cycling Warm-up | Active comparator | 10 minutes cycling warm-up before assessments Receives: Other: Cycling Warm-up |
| Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation | Experimental | 10 minutes Near-Infrared exposure before assessments Receives: Device: Near-infrared photobiomodulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test (knee-to-wall test). The distance from the hallux to the wall (cm) will be measured with the knee touching the wall and the heel on the floor. Higher values indicate greater dorsiflexion mobility
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each condition (control, cycling warm-up, and near-infrared photobiomodulation)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Hamstring flexibility
Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using the active knee extension test (AKET). With the hip flexed to 90° in supine position, the participant will actively extend the knee, and the knee flexion angle (degrees) will be measured with a goniometer. Lower angles indicate greater hamstring flexibility.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each condition (control, cycling warm-up, and near-infrared photobiomodulation)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Mar 2026
- Study start23 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion13 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Apr 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Ankle DorsiflexionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Participants complete three conditions (control, cycling warm-up, and near-infrared photobiomodulation) in randomized order.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cláudio da Silva Ferreira
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Cláudio da Silva Ferreira, Aveiro University
- Investigators
- Cláudio da Silva Ferreira, Licenciate, Principal investigator, University of Aveiro
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07477678
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 13-CEIC-UA/2026-M
- Acronym
- DIAERESIS
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: All collected data will be anonymized for statistical analysis and stored securely with restricted access. Therefore, the dataset will be made available upon reasonable request.
Publications
Shamsi M, Mirzaei M, Khabiri SS. Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2019 Mar 22;11:4. doi: 10.1186/s13102-019-0116-x. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 30949343Olivencia O, Godinez GM, Dages J, Duda C, Kaplan K, Kolber MJ, Kaplan, Kolber. THE RELIABILITY AND MINIMAL DETECTABLE CHANGE OF THE ELY AND ACTIVE KNEE EXTENSION TESTS. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020 Oct;15(5):776-782. doi: 10.26603/ijspt20200776.
PubMed 33110697Warneke K, Meder J, Ploschberger G, Oraze M, Zechner M, Jochum D, Siegel SD, Konrad A. Can measurement errors explain variance in the relationship between muscle- and tendon stiffness and range of motion?-a blinded reliability and objectivity study. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Sep;125(9):2415-2430. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05814-1. Epub 2025 Jun 11.
PubMed 40500535Konor MM, Morton S, Eckerson JM, Grindstaff TL. Reliability of three measures of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012 Jun;7(3):279-87.
PubMed 22666642
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Red Light Therapy: a Potential Strategy to Reduce Sports Injury Risk?
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07477678
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DIAERESIS / 13-CEIC-UA/2026-M
- Conditions
- Ankle Dorsiflexion
- Keywords
- Red light therapy, Photobiomodulation, Ankle dorsiflexion, Hamstring flexibility, Sports injury prevention, Mito Light
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cláudio da Silva FerreiraUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 13 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates whether near-infrared light therapy can acutely improve ankle dorsiflexion mobility and hamstring flexibility, two factors associated with sports injury risk. Healthy adult students will complete three randomized conditions: a control session, a 10-minute cycling warm-up, and a 10-minute exposure to a red and near-infrared LED panel (MITO LIGHT®). Mobility and flexibility will be assessed before and after each condition using the Knee-to-Wall Test (KWT) and the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET). The study aims to determine whether photobiomodulation may serve as a potential strategy to reduce musculoskeletal injury risk.
Detailed description
This randomized crossover study examines the acute effects of near-infrared LED-based photobiomodulation on ankle dorsiflexion mobility and hamstring flexibility in healthy adults. Each participant will complete three sessions in randomized order: (1) control, (2) 10-minute cycling warm-up, and (3) 10-minute exposure to a red and near-infrared LED panel (MITO LIGHT®), emitting wavelengths range of 800-860 nm. The LED panel will be positioned at 15 cm distance at 100% intensity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include the Knee-to-Wall Test (KWT) and the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET). The study is conducted at the Human Movement Laboratory of the University of Aveiro and follows ethical approval from the CEIC-UA. Data will be anonymized and processed according to GDPR. The goal is to determine whether photobiomodulation may contribute to reducing sports injury risk by improving key biomechanical parameters.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants complete three conditions (control, cycling warm-up, and near-infrared photobiomodulation) in randomized order.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | –10 minutes lying-down rest before assessments |
| Cycling Warm-up | Active comparator | Other: Cycling Warm-up10 minutes cycling warm-up before assessments |
| Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation | Experimental | Device: Near-infrared photobiomodulation10 minutes Near-Infrared exposure before assessments |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Active and healthy university students
- No current pain or injury in the lower limbs
- Ability to perform the Knee-to-Wall Test (KWT) and Active Knee Extension Test (AKET)
- Availability to attend all three sessions with at least 72 hours between assessments
- Signed informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Use of photosensitizing medication currently or within the past 3 weeks (as collected in the medical questionnaire)
- Recent musculoskeletal injury of the lower limbs or any sports-related injury with relevant downtime
- Presence of pain, joint limitation, or any medical condition preventing safe performance of KWT or AKET
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Near-infrared photobiomodulationExposure to a near-infrared LED panel emitting wavelengths range of 800-860 nm for 10 minutes at a distance of 15 cm and 100% intensity. Mobility and flexibility tests (KWT and AKET) are performed immediately before and after the exposure. | Device | Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation |
| Cycling Warm-up10 minutes cycling warm-up on a stationary cycle ergometer at 55-75% of maximum heart rate, followed by mobility and flexibility assessments. | Other | Cycling Warm-up |
Primary outcome
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each condition (control, cycling warm-up, and near-infrared photobiomodulation)
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test (knee-to-wall test). The distance from the hallux to the wall (cm) will be measured with the knee touching the wall and the heel on the floor. Higher values indicate greater dorsiflexion mobility
1 secondary outcome
Hamstring flexibility
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each condition (control, cycling warm-up, and near-infrared photobiomodulation)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Mar 2026.
- Background: PubMed 30949343Shamsi M, Mirzaei M, Khabiri SS. Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2019 Mar 22;11:4. doi: 10.1186/s13102-019-0116-x. eCollection 2019.
- Background: PubMed 33110697Olivencia O, Godinez GM, Dages J, Duda C, Kaplan K, Kolber MJ, Kaplan, Kolber. THE RELIABILITY AND MINIMAL DETECTABLE CHANGE OF THE ELY AND ACTIVE KNEE EXTENSION TESTS. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020 Oct;15(5):776-782. doi: 10.26603/ijspt20200776.
- Background: PubMed 40500535Warneke K, Meder J, Ploschberger G, Oraze M, Zechner M, Jochum D, Siegel SD, Konrad A. Can measurement errors explain variance in the relationship between muscle- and tendon stiffness and range of motion?-a blinded reliability and objectivity study. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Sep;125(9):2415-2430. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05814-1. Epub 2025 Jun 11.
- Background: PubMed 22666642Konor MM, Morton S, Eckerson JM, Grindstaff TL. Reliability of three measures of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012 Jun;7(3):279-87.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. All collected data will be anonymized for statistical analysis and stored securely with restricted access. Therefore, the dataset will be made available upon reasonable request.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Mário Alexandre Gonçalves Lopes, PhD contact
Cláudio da Silva Ferreira, Licenciate principal investigator
University of Aveiro
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Near-infrared photobiomodulation and Cycling Warm-up in people with Ankle Dorsiflexion, run by Cláudio da Silva Ferreira at 1 site in Portugal.
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 5 inclusion and 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Mar 2026. 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 Portugal. 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. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Cláudio da Silva Ferreira, MSc Student (+351 913880653, claudioferreira90@ua.pt), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each condition (control, cycling warm-up, and near-infrared photobiomodulation)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07477678, which also lists 4 linked publications.
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 19 Mar 2026.