Effects of light therapy on recovery from concussion in teens

Assessing the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Clinical Recovery From Concussion in Adolescents

Not applicable Interventional The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06239818

This study is testing if light therapy can help teenage athletes recover better from sports-related concussions compared to regular treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06239818 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effects of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt) to standard care in adolescent athletes who have suffered a sports-related concussion. It aims to evaluate the impact of PBMt on both functional and structural brain connectivity over time using advanced MRI techniques. Additionally, the study will correlate psychological and behavioral outcomes with neuroimaging findings to better understand recovery processes. Participants will be monitored for their recovery progress and symptom reporting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescent athletes diagnosed with a sports-related concussion who are at risk for delayed recovery.

Not a fit: Patients with acute neurological deterioration or significant pre-existing conditions that complicate concussion recovery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery outcomes for adolescents suffering from sports-related concussions.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Photobiomodulation therapy is gaining interest, this specific application in adolescent concussion recovery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* current participants in a school- or club-sponsored sport (contact or non-contact)
* access to wireless internet service at home
* diagnosis of sports-related concussion (SRC) (according to consensus diagnostic criteria) by a licensed healthcare provider,3-7 days from the concussive injury at the time of enrolment
* considered at-risk for protracted recovery based on Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) performance and symptom reporting on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS)

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute neurologic deterioration to a Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 13
* neurosurgical intervention
* abnormal CT scan
* concomitant extracranial injury worse than mild
* pre-injury conditions which confound effects of SRC (e.g., epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar illness, mental deficiency, hospitalization for TBI)
* substance dependence
* inability to speak fluent English
* Individuals who are taking benzodiazepines, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers, stimulants, opioids, sleep aids, or other neuropsychiatric medications

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sports-related Concussion
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.