Comparison of two infrared devices in their effectiveness in reducing symptoms associated with RLS

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess whether two kinds of near-infrared light devices, using different wavelengths and frequencies, impact symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS) differently. A recent randomized controlled study showed that symptoms associated with RLS can be diminished with near-infrared light treatment for a limited time. We wanted to assess whether different wavelengths and frequencies had an impact on its effectiveness. Twenty-five volunteers with symptoms of RLS were randomly assigned to either Anodyne® or HealthLight™ treatment. Both groups underwent 12 treatments with near-infrared light, three times a week for 4 weeks. A validated RLS rating scale was used to track changes. The two groups were not different in reported symptoms at baseline (p=0.37) and after 4 weeks of treatment (p=0.88). There was a significant improvement of symptoms between week 0 and week 4 (p<0.001); the difference in change indicated virtually the same improvement between the two groups. Although the two near-infrared light devices used different wavelengths and frequencies and one device used additional red light, they both produced significant improvement in the symptoms associated with RLS after 4 weeks of treatment.