Using low-level laser therapy to enhance muscle training with electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction

The Enhancement Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Muscle Training with Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Blood Flow Restriction

This study is testing if using low-level laser therapy along with electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction can help healthy adults build muscle strength and reduce fatigue during training.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 44 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 40 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Cheng-Kung University Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Tainan)
• Trial ID: NCT06739148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength in healthy adults. The approach aims to reduce muscle fatigue associated with BFR and NMES training by utilizing LLLT, which is known to improve microcirculation and mitochondrial function. Participants will undergo training while their neuromuscular responses are analyzed through advanced techniques such as surface EMG and EEG. The goal is to determine if LLLT can enhance the training benefits of the combined therapies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 20-40 without cardiovascular or neuromusculoskeletal diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of brain injury, stroke, or other neuromuscular conditions, as well as those with contraindications for laser therapy or blood flow restriction, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve muscle strength and recovery for individuals with limited mobility.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited knowledge about the specific combination of these therapies, LLLT has shown promise in other studies for enhancing muscle recovery and performance.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy adults aged 20-40, without a diagnosis of cardiovascular or neuromusculoskeletal diseases.
2. Normal vision range after visual correction.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Exclude students who have a teacher-student relationship with the principal investigator to ensure the participants\' autonomy.
2. History of brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, or other neuromuscular-related conditions.
3. Contraindications for laser therapy: pregnancy, malignant tumor tissues, bleeding areas, and photosensitive skin regions.
4. Presence of any contraindications for blood flow restriction training, such as a history of injury or strain in the non-dominant arm\'s biceps, deep vein thrombosis or venous occlusion in the non-dominant arm, acute unstable fractures in the non-dominant arm, acute regional infections in the non-dominant arm, severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease in the non-dominant arm, complete lymphatic obstruction in the non-dominant arm, and edema due to acute pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure in the non-dominant arm.

Where this trial is running

Tainan

• National Chen Kong University Hospital, Tainan — Tainan, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ing-Shiou Hwang, PhD

Conditions Blood Flow Restriction Therapy; Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation; Laser Therapy, Low-Level; Muscle Strength; Muscle strength; Training; Low-level laser Therapy; Blood flow restriction