Whole-body photobiomodulation for professional soccer players during a state championship.
Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Use in Professional Soccer Players During a State Championship
NA · Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos · NCT07224646
This study will test whether whole-body photobiomodulation helps professional soccer players recover faster, reduce muscle fatigue, and improve performance during a state championship.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Porto Feliz, São Paulo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07224646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled trial will assign male professional soccer players to either active whole-body photobiomodulation or a sham procedure while they continue their regular training. Interventions are delivered twice weekly on non-consecutive days for 8 weeks at a single training center, with identical procedures used to preserve blinding. Participants undergo baseline, during-study, and post-intervention assessments of performance, muscle soreness, and hematological markers to monitor recovery and fatigue. Results will be compared between groups using standard statistical tests with a two-tailed 5% significance threshold.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Male professional soccer players aged 18–35 who are actively competing in the championship, train at least five times per week, and can attend all twice-weekly in-person sessions and assessments are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Players with recent lower-limb injuries, chronic medical conditions, current use of other recovery therapies, known light sensitivity, or inability to comply with the schedule are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could accelerate recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and help players maintain higher performance levels during competition.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small athletic and clinical studies have reported promising but mixed results for photobiomodulation in reducing muscle fatigue and improving recovery, so this approach is somewhat supported but not definitively proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male professional soccer players currently competing in the championship * Age 18-35 years * Training frequency ≥5 times per week * Able to attend all PBM/sham sessions and all assessments during the 8-week intervention * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Lower-limb musculoskeletal injury in the last 6 months or currently receiving treatment * Current use of phototherapy or any other recovery-enhancing modality * Chronic medical conditions that may affect performance or recovery * Known sensitivity or contraindication to light-based therapies * Inability to comply with the intervention or training schedule
Where this trial is running
Porto Feliz, São Paulo
- Desportivo Brasil Training Center — Porto Feliz, São Paulo, Brazil (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Italo A Oliveira, MSc — UFSCAR
- Study coordinator: Italo A Oliveira, MSc
- Email: italoao@estudante.ufscar.br
- Phone: +55 19 997190361
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.
Conditions: Athletic Performance, Muscle Fatigue, Muscle Strength, Sports, Phototherapy, Laser therapy, Muscle fatigue, Muscle damage