Home photobiomodulation (light therapy) to improve balance and thinking in people over 60
Can Photobiomodulation Improve Balance and Cognition in Individuals Over 60: a Pilot Feasibility Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Central Lancashire Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Preston, Lancashire) |
| Trial ID | NCT07260903 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Preston, Lancashire
- University of Central Lancashire — Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Sinclair, DSc
- Email: jksinclair@lancashire.ac.uk
- Phone: 07875651533
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.