Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on performance and running economy in runners: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the 3000 m running performance (primary outcome), running economy (RE), metabolic cost and ratings of perceived exertion during running (secondary outcomes). Twenty male endurance athletes performed 4-min treadmill rectangular test at 12 km.h-1 monitored by a gas analyser. After that, PBMT or placebo in each lower limb was applied, followed performed a maximum test of 3000 m. Immediately after 3000 m test, the athletes repeated the treadmill test. Another application of PBMT/placebo was done after the treadmill test, and athletes went back to the laboratory 24 h later to repeat the treadmill test. After a 72 h interval, athletes repeated all procedures with another treatment intervention (PBMT/placebo). Athletes performed the 3000 m running test ~7s faster when treated with PBMT with similar effort score compared placebo condition. The RE remains unchanged immediately post 3000 m running test, nonetheless RE measured post-24 h improved by 5% with PBMT application without changes in metabolic cost. The PBMT pre- and post-conditioning enhanced the 3000 m running performance and improved RE 24 h following the 3000 m test. However, no changes on ratings of perceived exertion and metabolic cost with the application of PBMT.

KEYWORDS:

• Photobiomodulation therapy
• distance running
• performance
• metabolic economy

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to specially thank the athletes for their participation and cooperation in this study.

Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation (Supplementary Material 01).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation.

Additional information

Funding

This study had no source of funding.