Evaluating the effects of light therapy on wellness in military personnel

Evaluating the Technology and Assessing the Biological Effects of Commercially Available PhotoBioModulation Devices

This study is testing if light therapy can help active-duty military personnel feel better and improve their overall health and recovery.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: United States Air Force Research Laboratory (fed)
• Locations: 1 site (Beavercreek, Ohio)
• Trial ID: NCT06403644 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in enhancing physiological wellness among active-duty military personnel. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active PBMT or sham treatment over an 8-week period, with their responses measured through various subjective and physiological assessments. The study aims to compare the effects of high-power and low-power PBMT using two different commercial light beds. Data collection will include pain ratings, sleep quality assessments, and physiological monitoring to evaluate the overall impact of the therapy on health and recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active-duty military personnel, government civilians, and contractors aged 18-45 who can commit to the study procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with significant body fat, certain medical conditions, or those on specific medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option to enhance recovery and overall wellness in military personnel.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with photobiomodulation therapy, suggesting potential benefits, though this specific application in a military context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Active-duty military personnel, government civilians, and government contractors
2. Between the ages of 18-45 years old (inclusive)
3. Ability to read and understand English language
4. Willingness and ability to commit to study procedures, including study intervention and follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Body fat \> 40%
2. Weight exceeds 300lbs
3. Height exceeds 7ft 3in
4. \> 10% of full body coverage of tattoos
5. Cardiovascular disease requiring medical management
6. Currently utilizing a pacemaker
7. Currently utilizing select medications (e.g., statins, diuretics, antihypertensive agents)
8. Currently utilizing medications associated with sensitivity to heat or light (e.g., amiodarone, chlorpromazine, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, nalidixic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, tetracycline, thioridazine, voriconazole)
9. Currently undergoing treatment for a brain-related injury
10. Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
11. Diagnosis of porphyria (light induced allergy) or photosensitive eczema
12. Diagnosis of Cancer
13. Diagnosis of epilepsy and/or being seizure prone
14. Diagnosis of diabetes
15. Diagnosis of Lupus Erythematosus
16. Diagnosis of retinal disease
17. Uncontrolled thyroid disease (known problem with no medical management)
18. Cirrhosis of the liver
19. Impaired blood clotting (from medication or underlying condition)
20. Photophobia
21. Albinism/achromasia
22. Currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the study (6 weeks)
23. Currently participating in any other intervention-based research studies other than protocol FWR20220097H that may confound results.

Where this trial is running

Beavercreek, Ohio

• Wright Patterson Air Force Base — Beavercreek, Ohio, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jason Eckerle — United States Air Force Research Laboratory
• Study coordinator: Margaret E Hollander

Conditions: Physiological Wellness, Photobiomodulation, Recovery, Wellness