Near-infrared light therapy to improve brain blood flow and thinking in young and older adults
Age-specific Neurovascular Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation
This pilot will test whether near-infrared light delivered to the head can improve brain blood-flow control (neurovascular coupling) and thinking skills in young and older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Oklahoma Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) |
| Trial ID | NCT07209683 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized pilot compares active transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to a sham device over four weeks of every-other-day, at-home or clinic sessions using a portable near-infrared device. Participants complete iPad-based cognitive testing and perform memory and finger-tapping tasks while cerebral hemodynamics are monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy to measure neurovascular coupling. Blood or other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress will also be measured to explore links between physiological changes and cognitive outcomes. The trial aims to determine whether physiological improvements in neurovascular coupling correspond with better cognitive performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 21–85 who can read and write English, have adequate hearing and vision, and can give informed consent—particularly older adults with age-related cognitive change but without active CNS disease.
Not a fit: People with active central nervous system disease, recent stroke, uncontrolled medical or psychiatric conditions, current use of commercial or experimental neuromodulation devices, or use of certain cerebrovascular-targeting supplements are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, tPBM could improve regulation of brain blood flow and produce modest improvements in memory and motor-related cognitive function while reducing markers of brain inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies and small clinical reports indicate tPBM can improve cerebral blood flow and some cognitive measures, but larger randomized human trials remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 21-85 years of age * Adequate hearing and visual acuity to participate in the examinations * Ability to read and write in English * Competence to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Active CNS disease including multiple sclerosis, uncontrolled seizures, active brain cancer * Cerebrovascular accident other than TIA within 60 days prior to Visit 0 * Major psychiatric disease, including major depression not currently controlled on medications, alcohol or drug abuse * Participant currently uses commercial brain stimulation / neuromodulation device or an experimental device as part of a research study, e.g. tDCS, tACS, TBS, DBS, TMS, TPBM, etc. * Participant currently takes dietary supplements with an expected cerebrovascular benefit, such as NAD- or NR-supplement, L-citrulline, urolithin * Unstable medical condition, including uncontrolled diabetes, chronic heart issues, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Stage 2 hypertension uncontrolled by medication (\>160/100 mmHg) * Any other medical condition or medication which, in the opinion of investigator, would render the patient inappropriate or too unstable to complete the study protocol. * Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant in the next 1 months (self-reported), breastfeeding
Where this trial is running
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma Health Campus — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Peter Mukli, MD, PhD
- Email: peter-mukli@ou.edu
- Phone: +1 (405) 271-8001
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.