Photomedicine Project 14: PBMT for Performance Enhancement in SOF
Purpose
Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery, and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a low-level laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent avenue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects of a systematic application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups with focal PBMT application as compared to placebo. Further, PBMT research in healthy military tactical athletes is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. The investigators aim to study the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators. The Intent: The investigators propose to conduct a single-blinded randomized-control trial with sham control to investigate the effectiveness of providing PBMT post physical training in a SOF population. The specific aims of this study are to: 1. Analyze and describe the physiologic effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 2. Analyze and describe the behavioral effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 3. Evaluate the overall clinical utility of focal PBMT subsequent to physical training in a US Army SOF, tactical athlete population.
Conditions
- Photobiomodulation Therapy
- Photomedicine
- Low-Level Laser Therapy
- Performance Enhancement
- Quadriceps
- Special Operations Readiness
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Between 18 Years and 45 Years
- Eligible Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- Active-Duty Special Forces Personnel (18-series) - Able to read and understand English language for consent purposes - Able to commit to study intervention and follow-up - Able to participate in THOR3 coach-lead training, without restriction
Exclusion Criteria
- Obese (body fat > 25%) - Cardiovascular disease - Use of select medications (e.g., statins, diuretics, hypertensive agents) - Female - Tattoo in treatment area (body region) - Diagnosis with porphyria (light induced allergy) or photosensitive eczema - Current use of medications associated with sensitivity to heat or light (e.g., amiodarone, chlorpromazine, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, nalidixic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, tetracycline, thioridazine, voriconazole) - Use of pacemaker/underlying cardiac disease - Diagnosed with autoimmune disease(s) - Albinism - Peripheral Neuropathy
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel Assignment
- Intervention Model Description
- Approach: Special Operators attending THOR3 coach led training will be invited to participate. After consenting and screening for inclusion/exclusion, participants will be randomized into two groups: 1) sham PBMT and 2) PBMT (applied to quadriceps up to 3 times per week, post coach-led training, taking approximately 5-20 minutes each time). Baseline measurements will include body fat percentage, height, weight and military/demographic information. Metrics for counter movement jump and self-reported delayed muscle onset soreness will be taken at baseline and weekly for three weeks. Isokinetic dynamometer measurements for the lower extremities, and self-reported exertion and fatigue will be taken at baseline and at the 3-week follow-up (post three-week intervention). Oura rings will be assigned at baseline and will continuously measure sleep, heart rate, Sp02, and activity. Activity and pain will also be self-reported throughout the duration of the study.
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Participant)
- Masking Description
- In order to facilitate participant blinding to their randomized study group, all participants (regardless of their assigned study group) will be asked to wear blackout glasses and headphones during their treatment.
Arm Groups
Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
---|---|---|
Active Comparator Photobiomodulation Treatment (PBMT) |
PBMT will be delivered at 32-40 watts (W) (depending on participant skin pigmentation). PBMT will be applied to the quadriceps area. A study team member will use the quadriceps measurements of the treatment area to calculate the PBMT treatment time (approximately 5-20 minutes) and specified J/cm2. PBMT treatment will be provided 3 times per week, for 3 weeks. |
|
Sham Comparator Sham PBMT |
The inclusion of sham PBMT will ensure all participant treatment procedures remain the same, with the exception of emission of photons (active treatment), thus, allowing for contribution of any differences between groups to be credited to the use of PBMT. |
|
Recruiting Locations
Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington 98433
Bradley H Cornell
More Details
- NCT ID
- NCT06380179
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR)