Whole-body photobiomodulation for professional soccer players during a state championship.
Official title: Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Use in Professional Soccer Players During a State Championship
Run by Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos · NCT07224646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Porto Feliz, São Paulo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07224646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.