Home photobiomodulation (light therapy) to improve balance and thinking in people over 60
Official title: Can Photobiomodulation Improve Balance and Cognition in Individuals Over 60: a Pilot Feasibility Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial.
Run by University of Central Lancashire · NCT07260903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will test whether regular home-based photobiomodulation (gentle red/near-infrared light) can improve balance and thinking in people aged 60 to 80.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Central Lancashire Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Preston, Lancashire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 10, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07260903 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 60–80 who can provide informed consent, complete written questionnaires independently, and do not have a history of head injury, migraines, active forehead/scalp skin conditions, current central nervous system-acting medications, or ongoing brain stimulation therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
People outside the 60–80 age range or those with prior head injury, active scalp/forehead skin problems, migraines, current CNS-acting medications, or receiving brain stimulation are unlikely to receive benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Age-related declines in balance and cognition increase fall risk and reduce quality of life for many older adults. This is a pilot randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial comparing eight weeks of home-based photobiomodulation to a sham device in adults aged 60–80. Eligible participants who can consent and complete written questionnaires will be randomized and assessed with standardized balance tests and cognitive measures at baseline and follow-up. The trial aims to determine whether the intervention can be delivered safely and practically at home and whether there are early signs of benefit to guide larger studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a safe, low-cost home therapy that helps reduce fall risk and support memory and independence in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Small trials and pilot studies of photobiomodulation have reported preliminary cognitive or neurological benefits, but evidence is limited and its use specifically to improve balance or prevent falls in older adults is largely untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged from 60-80 years * Ability to complete written questionnaires independently * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current or past history of head injury * Use of medications acting on the central nervous system * Active skin conditions on the forehead or scalp * Ongoing brain stimulation therapy * History of migraines * Sensitive skin, allergies
Where it's running
-
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Sinclair, DSc
- Email: jksinclair@lancashire.ac.uk
- Phone: 07875651533
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Alternating venetoclax+azacitidine and low-dose cladribine+homoharringtonine+cytarabine for unfit newly diagnosed AML
This phase II trial tests whether alternating venetoclax + azacitidine with low-dose cladribine + homoharringtonine + cytarabine can help people aged ≥60 or otherwise unfit with newly diagnosed AML become MRD negative and achieve better disease control.
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.