Efficacy of Acute and Long-Term Photobiomodulation Therapy on Fatigue and Muscle Performance in Different Animal Models: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Muscular fatigue is associated with repeated muscle contraction exercises and with intense use of muscles with high intensity leading to a decline of performance and inability to continue with the same activity original intensity of activity. One of most promising interventions is the photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). The objective was to analyze the results of the studies that investigated the effects of acute and long-term photobiomodulation in experimental animal models of muscle fatigue levels. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021274444). 10 studies were identified (n=366 animals). 77% used histological analysis and blood level of lactate measures to record changes in fatigue and were considered HIGHLIGHTS• Experimental studies with animal models confirm decreased from fatigue, through fatigue protocols induced with PBMT.• PBMT is able to improve muscle recovery and performance in animal models.• Infrared wavelength is the wavelength most used for fatigue in animal models.• It needed standardization to PBMT parameters due to the many different energy density, wavelength and number of therapy sessions found, in order to indicate the most efficient protocol of PBMT.