Photobiomodulation before NMES to see if it reduces fatigue and muscle damage
Official title: Effects of Photobiomodulation on Fatigue and Muscle Damage Induced by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Healthy Individuals: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul · NCT07602933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a light-based treatment (photobiomodulation) given before a fatiguing electrical stimulation can lessen fatigue, muscle damage, and discomfort in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07602933 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults (18-45) who are regularly physically active and have no recent lower-limb injuries, able to tolerate NMES.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with BMI over 30, recent stimulants use, or contraindications to maximal effort may not experience benefit and may be excluded from the study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigates the acute effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) administered before an NMES-evoked fatigue protocol in healthy young adults. Participants receive either active PBM or sham treatment, then undergo a fatiguing NMES protocol (80 contractions at 20% MVIC, 80 Hz, 1 ms pulse) to assess neuromuscular fatigue, muscle damage, and functional outcomes. The trial aims to determine if PBM can enhance tolerance and recovery during NMES-induced fatigue. Eligible participants are healthy adults aged 18-45 who are regularly physically active and can tolerate NMES. The study is led by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, with collaboration from CNPq, and is conducted at the Exercise Research Laboratory in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PBM could improve tolerance to NMES by reducing fatigue and muscle damage, potentially enhancing rehabilitation or training protocols.
How similar studies have gone: There is limited prior work on PBM to precondition responses to NMES fatigue; results from related PBM studies in muscle performance are mixed but suggest potential benefit in some contexts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy male and female volunteers. * Age between 18 and 45 years. * Practice physical activity regularly * No history of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs in the last 6 months * Ability to tolerate NMES Exclusion Criteria: * Have sensory intolerable changes due to NMES * Consumed coffee or another stimulant in the last 12 hours * Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 (grade I obesity) * Present any contraindication for the performance of maximum effort * Abnormal increase in blood pressure after maximal exertion
Where it's running
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Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marco A Vaz, PhD — Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Study coordinator: Marco A Vaz, PhD
- Email: marco.vaz@ufrgs.br
- Phone: +555133085853
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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.