Effects of light therapy on recovery from concussion in teens
Official title: Assessing the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Clinical Recovery From Concussion in Adolescents
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06239818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if light therapy can help teenage athletes recover better from sports-related concussions compared to regular treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 17, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06239818 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescent athletes diagnosed with a sports-related concussion who are at risk for delayed recovery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute neurological deterioration or significant pre-existing conditions that complicate concussion recovery may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery outcomes for adolescents suffering from sports-related concussions.
How similar studies have gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Summer Ott, PsyD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Summer Ott, PsyD
- Email: Summer.D.Ott@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 486-3435
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.