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Brain and Movement Function: A Study on Laser Acupuncture in Healthy Adults

Effect of Laser Acupuncture on Corticospinal Excitability and Sensorimotor Function in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Single-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12625000337471
Enrollment
18
Registered
2025-04-22
Start date
2024-07-01
Completion date
2024-12-01
Last updated
2025-09-08

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

This study aims to investigate whether laser acupuncture can enhance brain and motor function in healthy adults. Laser acupuncture is a non-invasive technique that applies low-level laser therapy to specific acupuncture points to stimulate physiological responses. This research will compare the effects of real and sham laser acupuncture on corticospinal excitability and sensorimotor function. The findings may help improve our understanding of how laser acupuncture influences the nervous system and whether it has potential applications in rehabilitation or performance enhancement.

Interventions

Laser acupuncture is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that applies low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to acupuncture points to stimulate physiological responses. This technique uses a laser applicator that emits low-level laser light when applied directly to the skin surface of specific acupuncture points. The participant will remain seated comfortably during the treatment. A low-level laser device will be used to irradiate motor-related acupuncture points including Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), an

Laser acupuncture is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that applies low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to acupuncture points to stimulate physiological responses. This technique uses a laser applicator that emits low-level laser light when applied directly to the skin surface of specific acupuncture points. The participant will remain seated comfortably during the treatment. A low-level laser device will be used to irradiate motor-related acupuncture points including Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), and Shousanli (LI10). Each acupoint will receive 5 minutes of continuous laser stimulation per session. The parameters of the laser device are as follows: Wavelength: 808 nm Power output: 100 mW Energy density: 4 J/cm² per point Mode: Continuous wave Each participant will receive four laser acupuncture sessions in total. Each complete session will last approximately 120 minutes, including pre- and post-treatment assessments. The intervention will be delivered face-to-face in a controlled university research laboratory by a trained acupuncturist experienced in both traditional acupuncture and laser therapy. Standardized treatment protocols will be strictly followed to ensure consistency across sessions. Session fidelity will be assessed through direct observation, and adherence will be monitored by trained research personnel. A 48-hour washout period will be implemented between different treatment conditions in accordance with the crossover trial design.

Sponsors

Renming Liu (Monash University)
Lead SponsorIndividual

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

Participants were eligible if they were between the ages of 18 and 40, had normal cognitive function, no history of neurological or psychiatric conditions, no contraindications to or TMS, and were not taking neuroactive medications.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria included the presence of metallic implants in the head, indwelling body stimulators, a history of seizures, or current pregnancy.

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026