Photobiomodulation Effects on Fatigue and Muscle Damage Induced by NMES
Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Photobiomodulation, Fatigue, Discomfort, Electrical Stimulation, Muscle Damage
In brief
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is widely used to improve muscle strength and mitigate atrophy. However, its clinical efficacy is often limited by early neuromuscular fatigue, muscle damage, and discomfort, which reduce patient tolerance and contraction time. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a potential therapy to enhance muscle performance and accelerate recovery by minimizing fatigue and damage. Despite its potential, few studies have investigated the effects of PBM applied specifically before an NMES-evoked fatigue protocol. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate the acute effects of PBM on neuromuscular fatigue, muscle damage, and functional outcomes in healthy young subjects. Participants will receive either active PBM (cluster probe: 5 lasers 810nm/200mW; 4 LEDs 660nm/10mW; Total Energy: 249.6 J per limb) or sham treatment 5 minutes before a fatiguing NMES protocol (80 contractions at 20% MVIC, 80 Hz, 1ms pulse width) applied to the quadriceps muscle. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 24h, 48h, and 72h post-intervention. Primary outcomes include maximum and evoked isometric strength, mechanical work, and electrical muscle activity. Secondary outcomes include muscle damage (ultrasound echo-intensity), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), functional performance (unilateral vertical jump), and clinical discomfort. The study seeks to determine if PBM can effectively modulate NMES-induced fatigue and muscle damage, potentially optimizing its clinical application.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07602933
- Run by
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- People needed
- 36
- Starts
- 2026-06-01
- Expected to finish
- 2026-09-30
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-06-25
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 45. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Healthy male and female volunteers.
- Age between 18 and 45 years.
- Practice physical activity regularly
- No history of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs in the last 6 months
- Ability to tolerate NMES
You may not qualify if…
- Have sensory intolerable changes due to NMES
- Consumed coffee or another stimulant in the last 12 hours
- Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 (grade I obesity)
- Present any contraindication for the performance of maximum effort
- Abnormal increase in blood pressure after maximal exertion
Where it is running
- Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício — Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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