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Red Light Therapy and Muscle Recovery

Original Editor - Kapil Narale

Top Contributors - Kapil Narale and Vidya Acharya  

Introduction

Red or near-infrared light therapy, labelled as photobiomodulation, is said to help recover and regenerate damaged tissue. The use of light therapy prior to and/or subsequent to activity, can help elevate sport performance. It is seen that the use of Red Light Therapy helps increase muscle mass after training, decrease inflammation, and decrease oxidative stress. [1]

This page will be discussing the effects of Red Light Therapy on muscle function and recovery prior to and/or subsequent to a bout of exercise.

Physiology

The Red Light and Near-Infrared Light stimulates mitochondrial activity when the light directed on the tissues is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase. Due to this effect, there is a generous increase in ATP, the body's muscle energy molecule. This is one big reason of how Red Light Therapy helps with providing the muscle with more energy. [1]

Red Light Uses & Evidence

Upper Limb

Various wavelengths of redlight were utilised in different studies of administering the treatment on muscles in a pre-conditioning set up before a workout. It was found that there was not a significant effects noted with these wavelengths on muscle tissue recovery and repair. [1]

A study by Douris et al [2], using a Red Light device with 36 LEDs, and wavelengths of 660nms and 880nms, on the biceps brachii muscle after elbow flexion and extension, found that there was a significant effect on the reduction of DOMS after 48 hours.

When considering pre-conditioning of muscles, a study by Leal Junior et al [3], applied a light of 655nm on the biceps brachii before elbow flexion/extension. The light was applied at 4 points on the muscle and then a Maximum Voluntary Contraction was carried out. The number of repetitions and time significantly increased with the use of the red light as a pre-conditioning measure.

A muscular pre-conditioning routine was conducted by Leal Jr et al (2009) [4], with the Red Light at 830nm applied at 4 points on the biceps brachii. This was compared to a wavelength of 660nm, and 830nm, prior to MVC on a Scott bench [5]. There were significant differences found with the pre-conditioning in the mean and peak force generated, but significant differences were not seen with the different wavelengths. [5]

A study by Leal Junior et al [6], applied a pre-conditioning protocol on two points on the biceps brachii for 30 sec, with 5 laser diodes of 830nm in wavelength. It was found that an increased number of repetitions of biceps contractions could be achieved, with a decreased lactate level in blood, and a lower creatine kinase and C-reactive protein. [6] A similar result was found with the use of a device with 69 LEDs, with the wavelengths of 850nm and 660nm, on 1-site of the biceps brachii. [7]

Borges et al [8] looked at the post-exercise effects of 630nm wavelength of Red Light on eccentric elbow flexion and extension. It was seen to result in a reduction in DOMS, and a slower reduction in possible isometric force. A lower reduction in the decrease in range of motion was also noted overtime, after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours.

Lower Limb

A study by Leal Junior et al. [9] provided Red Light Therapy to the rectus femoris muscle prior to administering the Wingate tests as a part of a muscular pre-conditioning procedure. With the use of an 830nm wavelength, there were no significant effects noted on muscle performance, however creatine kinase and lactate levels in the bloodstream were reduced in comparison to a placebo group.

Another study was conducted by Leal Junior et al. [10] using the Wingate test, and comparing the effects of a single diode Red Light device at a wavelength of 810 nm to a device with 69 LEDs at 850 nm and 660 nm. This was applied at two areas on the rectus femoris muscle and was measuring muscle performance of athletes in a pre-conditioning regimen. It was seen that the cluster of 69 LEDs lead to decreased creatine kinase levels in the blood, compared to the device with a wavelength of 810 nm and a placebo group. An improvement wasn't seen in muscle performance or a decrease in blood lactate levels of the group with the 810nm device. Comparable findings were noted by Denis et al. [11] who did not notice a positive result with the device with 69 LEDs, with a wavelength of 950 nm and 660 nm. This was administered during the rest breaks of the Wingate tests. No significant differences were noted in muscle peak power, fatigue index, and blood lactate levels in comparison to a placebo group.

Baroni et al. [12] conducted a study which involved assessing muscle performance using an exercise regime on an eccentric exercise in an isokinetic dynamometer. A muscular pre-conditioning regime was used with the Red Light Therapy device containing a cluster of 5 laser diodes at a wavelength of 810 nm. This was administered on six spots of the quadriceps femoris muscles. A higher maximal voluntary isometric contraction was noticed upon exertion and at 24 h after the exercise testing. A higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity at was seen at 48 h after exercise, while the creatine kinase levels decreased in blood after 24 h and 48 h, when compared to the placebo group. However, DOMS did not show any improvement.

Best Time to use RLT

There are two key strategies for the use of Red Light Therapy in increasing muscle performance and exercise recovery, targeted at performance in sports. These include:

Before a workout/exercise

The first technique involves pre-conditioning the muscles before a workout/exercise. This involves shining the Red Light on the targeted muscle for 3-5 minutes before the exercise session [13][14] [15]. It is seen that effects are noticeable for 3-6 hours after receiving the Red Light Treatment. [16]

Noticing a positive effect long after receiving Red Light Therapy is evident. Muscular pre-conditioning treatment applied to volleyball players 40-60 minutes before their activity helped with avoiding muscle damage with decreased creatine kinase markers in the bloodstream. [17] This shows that applying the Red Light Therapy for about 1 hour, is effective with maintaining muscle condition, and can last for 72-96 hours, rather than applying the Red Light for only 3-5 minutes before activity.

Post-workout

Instead of a pre-exercise Red Light Therapy treatment, the second method works by applying the Red Light Therapy directly after activity to speed up muscle recovery. [13] [18] This is more effective when used in conjunction with exercise programs that span many days or weeks. [19] [20] The use of the Red Light after activity helps with solidifying the post-exercise gains, including gaining muscle and energy, and defense against oxidative stress. [19] However, this method is not fully confirmed.

Benefits on Muscle Tissue

There are many benefits of using Red Light Therapy on muscle tissue that have been determined through clinical and lab studies. Some of these benefits include: [1]

  • Prevention of muscle stress and damage after exercise, and prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
  • Increased muscle workload capacity, and increase in muscle fiber excitability
  • Increasing resistance to fatigue
  • Increasing functional and athletic performance
  • Improving muscle recovery times after exercise
  • Increase energy metabolism and ATP synthesis
  • Stimulation of resistance against oxidative stress
  • Modulation of gene expression by activating transcription factors

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 F Cleber, Huang Y-Y, Hamblin M.R. Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance? Journal of Biophotonics. 2016:9(11-12):1273–1299.
  2. ↑ Douris P, Southard V, Ferrigi R, Grauer J, Katz D, Nascimento C, Podbielski P. Effect of phototherapy on delayed onset muscle soreness. Photomedical Laser Surgery. 2006:24(3):377–382.
  3. ↑ Leal E.C. Jun, Lopes-Martins R.A, Dalan F, Ferrari M, Sbabo F.M, Generosi R.A, Baroni B.M, Penna S.C, Iversen V.V, Bjordal J.M. Effect of 655-nm low-level laser therapy on exercise-induced skeletal muscle fatigue in humans. Photomedical Laser Surgery. 2008:26(5):419–424.
  4. ↑ Leal E.C Jun, Lopes-Martins R.A, Vanin A.A, Baroni B.M, Grosselli D, De Marchi T, Iversen V.V, Bjordal J.M. Effect of 830 nm low-level laser therapy in exercise-induced skeletal muscle fatigue in humans. Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2009: 24(3):425–431.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 de Almeida P, Lopes-Martins R.A, De Marchi T, Tomazoni S.S, Albertini R, Correa J.C, Rossi R.P, Machado G.P, da Silva D.P, Bjordal J.M, Leal E.C Jun. Red (660 nm) and infrared (830 nm) low-level laser therapy in skeletal muscle fatigue in humans: what is better? Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2012: 27(2):453–458.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Leal E.C Jun, Lopes-Martins R.A, Frigo L, De Marchi T, Rossi R.P, de Godoi V, Tomazoni S.S, Silva D.P, Basso M, Filho P.L, de Valls Corsetti F, Iversen V.V, Bjordal J.M. Effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the development of exercise-induced skeletal muscle fatigue and changes in biochemical markers related to postexercise recovery. Journal of Orthopedic Sports Physical Therapy. 2010:40(8):524–532.
  7. ↑ Leal E.C Jun, Lopes-Martins R.A, Rossi R.P, De Marchi T, Baroni B.M, de Godoi V, Marcos R.L, Ramos L, Bjordal J.M. Effect of cluster multi-diode light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on exercise-induced skeletal muscle fatigue and skeletal muscle recovery in humans. Lasers in Surgical Medicine. 2009:41(8):572–577.
  8. ↑ Borges L.S, Cerqueira M.S, Dos Santos Rocha JA, Conrado L.A, Machado M, Pereira R, Neto O.P. Light-emitting diode phototherapy improves muscle recovery after a damaging exercise. Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2014:29(3):1139–1144.
  9. ↑ Leal E.C Jun, Lopes-Martins R.A, Baroni B.M, De Marchi T, Taufer D, Manfro D.S, Rech M, Danna V, Grosselli D, Generosi R.A, Marcos R.L, Ramos L, Bjordal J.M. Effect of 830 nm low-level laser therapy applied before high-intensity exercises on skeletal muscle recovery in athletes. Lasers in Medical Science. 2009:24(6):857–863.
  10. ↑ Leal E.C Junior, Lopes-Martins R.A, Baroni B.M, De Marchi T, Rossi R.P, Grosselli D, Generosi R.A, de Godoi V, Basso M, Mancalossi J.L, Bjordal J.M. Comparison between single-diode low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and LED multi-diode (cluster) therapy (LEDT) applications before high-intensity exercise. Photomedicine in Laser Surgery. 2009: 27(4):617–623.
  11. ↑ Denis R, O’Brien C, Delahunt E. The effects of light emitting diode therapy following high intensity exercise. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2013:14(2):110–115.
  12. ↑ Baroni B.M, Leal E.C Jun, De Marchi T, Lopes A.L, Salvador M, Vaz M.A. Low level laser therapy before eccentric exercise reduces muscle damage markers in humans. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2010:110(4):789–796.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Ferraresi C, Hamblin M.R, Parizotto N.A. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) on muscle tissue: performance, fatigue and repair benefited by the power of light. Photonics Lasers in Medicine. 2012: 1(4):267–286.
  14. ↑ Leal E.C Jun, Vanin A.A, Miranda E.F, de Carvalho P.D, Dal Corso S, Bjordal J.M. Effect of phototherapy (low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy) on exercise performance and markers of exercise recovery: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2013:30(2):925-939.
  15. ↑ Borsa P.A, Larkin K.A, True J.M. Does phototherapy enhance skeletal muscle contractile function and postexercise recovery? A systematic review. Journal of Athletic Training. 2013: 48(1):57–67.
  16. ↑ Ferraresi C, Kaippert B, Avci P, Huang Y.Y, de Sousa M.V, Bagnato V.S, Parizotto N.A, Hamblin M.R. Low-level laser (light) therapy increases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis in C2C12 myotubes with a peak response at 3–6h. Photochemical Photobiology. 2015:1(2):411–416.
  17. ↑ Ferraresi C, Dos Santos R.V, Marques G, Zangrande M, Leonaldo R, Hamblin M.R, Bagnato V.S, Parizotto N.A. Light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) before matches prevents increase in creatine kinase with a light dose response in volleyball players. Lasers inMedical Sciences. 2015:30(4):1281–1287.
  18. ↑ Dos Reis F.A, da Silva B.A, Laraia E.M, de Melo R.M, Silva P.H, Leal E.C Jun, de de Carvalho P.T. Effects of pre- or post-exercise low-level laser therapy (830 nm) on skeletal muscle fatigue and biochemical markers of recovery in humans: double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Photomedicine in Laser Surgery. 2014:32(2):106–112.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Ferraresi C, Parizotto N.A, Pires de Sousa M.V, Kaippert B, Huang Y.Y, Koiso T, Bagnato V.S, Hamblin M.R. Light-emitting diode therapy in exercise-trained mice increases muscle performance, cytochrome c oxidase activity, ATP and cell proliferation. Journal of Biophotonics. 2015: 8(9):740–754.
  20. ↑ Ferraresi C, de Brito Oliveira T, de Oliveira Zafalon L, de Menezes Reiff R.B, Baldissera V, de Andrade Perez S.E, Matheucci E Jun, Parizotto N.A. Effects of low level laser therapy (808 nm) on physical strength training in humans. Lasers in Med Sciences. 2011:26(3):349–358.
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