Near-infrared light therapy to improve brain blood flow and thinking in young and older adults
Official title: Age-specific Neurovascular Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation
Run by University of Oklahoma · NCT07209683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oklahoma Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07209683 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Preclinical studies and small clinical reports indicate tPBM can improve cerebral blood flow and some cognitive measures, but larger randomized human trials remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.