Effect of low-level laser therapy (808 nm) on markers of muscle damage: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

The aim of this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK) and strength performance) in the biceps brachii. Twenty-two physically active men were randomized into two groups: placebo and laser. All volunteers were submitted to an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol for biceps brachii (biceps curl, 10 sets of 10 repetitions with load of 50% of one-repetition maximum test (1RM)). Active LLLT (808 nm; 100 mW; 35.7 W/cm(2), 357.14 J/cm(2) per point, energy of 1 J per point applied for 10 s on four points of the biceps brachii belly of each arm) or placebo was applied between the sets of the biceps curl exercise. CK activity and maximum strength performance (1RM) were measured before, immediately after, 24, 48, and 72 h after the exercise-induced muscle damage protocol. There was an increase in CK activity after the muscle damage protocol in both groups; however, this increase was attenuated in the laser group compared to the placebo group at 72 h (placebo = 841 vs. laser = 357%; p < 0.05). Maximum strength performance was decreased immediately after the muscle damage protocol in both groups (p < 0.05), but at 24, 48, and 72 h, and it returned to the baseline level in both groups. In conclusion, the LLLT attenuated CK activity 72 h after the muscle damage protocol but did not have a positive effect on the recovery of strength performance.

Light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) before matches prevents increase in creatine kinase with a light dose response in volleyball players

“…The effects of low-level laser (light) therapy on muscle tissue when applied before or after intense exercise are mainly related to the prevention of exercise-induced damage, promotion of faster muscle recovery, and also producing increases in performance [10,30,11]. The use of LLLT to prevent muscle damage has been widely investigated in experimental models [15][16][17][18][19][20] and in clinical trials [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Experimental studies have used animal models to induce muscle damage, and clinical trials have used protocols of exercise in isokinetic dynamometers, fitness machines, or free weight lifting to induce muscle damage.…”

“…These studies reported lower increases in CK activity measured in blood when LLLT was applied before intense exercises. Light doses (Joules, J) used in previous studies were between 1 and 6 J delivered per diode laser, totaling 4 J [21] or 60 J [22] delivered to the biceps brachii; 30 and 40 J [23] or 180 J [24] delivered to the quadriceps femoris muscles. When the light source was LED, these studies used a cluster of 69 LEDs and applied 0.3 or 0.9 J per LED, totaling 41.7 J per site of irradiation and a total dose of 41.7 J delivered on biceps brachii [25]; 83.4 J [26] or 125.1 J [27] or 208.5 J [28] delivered to quadriceps femoris muscles.…”

“…In order to investigate the effects of LLLT on Bmuscle protection^against exercise-induced muscle damage, different protocols of exercise or neuromuscular electrical stimulation have been used to induce muscle fatigue and damage in experimental models [15][16][17][18][19][20] and in clinical trials [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. These studies have evaluated different wavelengths and different light sources such as diode lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) [29].…”

O uso terapêutico do LASER de Baixa Intensidade (LBI) em algumas patologias e sua relação com a atuação na Fonoaudiologia

“…Essas alterações na estrutura da célula promovem o processo de inflamação no tecido muscular, que é composto basicamente por três fases: degeneração, reparo e remodelamento. Essas fases apresentam características específicas e fundamentais para a adequada restauração da estrutura e função do tecido muscular lesado 14,15 . f) Regeneração de nervos periféricos -Nervos periféricos são alvo constante de lesões traumáticas que podem resultar em déficits motores com o decorrer do tempo que alteram suas propriedades mecânicas e neuroquímicas, bem como podem proporcionar complicações irreversíveis 3,12,[16][17][18] .…”

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Strength Training Protocol on Hand Grip by Dynamometry

“…Phototherapy associated with resistance exercise protocols or muscular endurance has shown positive results, better than when performed in different groups, improving performance, endurance, and recovery from fatigue, proven by the various strength tests and the biomarker analyses such as lactate, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Leal-Junior et al 18 made a systematic review about LLLT/LEDT effects on performance among exercise, and at recovery markers after muscle fatigue. The study concludes that results more significant, and consistent, occurred with red or infrared wavelengths applied before exercise.…”