Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 60

Photobiomodulation for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: can light therapy help fatigue and quality of life?

Official title: The Role of Photobiomodulation in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Run by University of Lahore · NCT07546539 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether low-level laser therapy can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome, compared with a sham treatment.

More Quality of Life (QOL) trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Lahore
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Larkana, Sindh)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 15, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 15, 2026
Study endsFebruary 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT07546539 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18-60 with a CFS diagnosis per the 2015 Institute of Medicine criteria and a Fatigue Severity Scale score of 4 or higher.

Probably not a fit

Participants without a response to photobiomodulation or with exclusion criteria may not experience fatigue or quality-of-life improvements.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults aged 18 to 60 with chronic fatigue syndrome will be randomized to receive either active photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy) or a placebo sham treatment three times a week for eight weeks. The trial will assess fatigue using the Fatigue Severity Scale and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, along with measures of pain, functional capacity, sleep, and psychological well-being. The goal is to determine if photobiomodulation provides greater improvements than placebo for fatigue and quality of life. Researchers will compare outcomes between the active and sham groups to see if the therapy yields meaningful benefits. The study is conducted at The Larkana General Hospital in Larkana, Sindh, sponsored by the University of Lahore.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced fatigue and improved daily functioning and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research on photobiomodulation for fatigue has shown mixed results; this study adds randomized, placebo-controlled data in CFS.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Age 18-60 years
* Diagnosis of a CFS according to the 2015 Institute of Medicine criteria
* Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score ≥ 4
* Ability to understand study procedures and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Comorbid psychiatric conditions (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia)
* Current use of corticosteroids or immunomodulators
* Known photosensitivity or dermatologic contraindications to LLLT
* Participation in structured exercise programs more than twice weekly
* Diagnosed malignancy or active infection -Not willing to be the part of study -

Where it's running

  • The larkana General hospital , larkana
    Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.