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Photobiomodulation Therapy in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Muscle Function and Inflammation in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03691766
Enrollment
21
Registered
2018-10-02
Start date
2018-04-30
Completion date
2019-09-23
Last updated
2021-02-26

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

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

Brief summary

This study will test whether photobiomodulation therapy improves muscle endurance and decreases inflammation in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We will also investigate mechanisms for any improvements.

Detailed description

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) MS commonly experience muscle weakness and fatigue which may contribute to the commonly reported symptomatic fatigue. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) induced with light in the visible red to near infrared (VIS/NIR) region of the spectrum (600-1000 nm) can stimulate cytochrome c oxidase and improve mitochondrial function. PBMT is an emerging therapeutic modality for soft tissue injury, chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration , and retinal diseases. PBMT has also been used to enhance muscle endurance, strength and recovery in healthy adults. We propose that in persons with MS, PBMT will 1) enhance regional muscle endurance after acute treatment and 2) enhance functional endurance after extended treatment. We will also test to determine if improvements are due to central or peripheral neuromuscular or cardiovascular mechanisms. Final, we will explore if regional PBMT can result in systemic anti-inflammatory effects.

Interventions

OTHERPhotobiomodulation Therapy

Photobiomodulation therapy, a mix of red lights thought to improve mitochondrial function will be applied in and acute and chronic manner to test whether muscle fatigue improves in persons with MS.

OTHERPlacebo

Device with sham light source

Sponsors

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
CollaboratorOTHER
Marquette University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Relapsing remitting MS, 2. Independent or ambulatory with minimal aid. 3. Must be able to move foot (ankle dorsiflexion) at least moderately forcibly against gravity (manual muscle test score 3-5) 4. Subjects must be able to walk for 6 minutes independently with no or minimal use of an assistive device.

Exclusion criteria

1. No noticeable left right ankle strength asymmetry 2. No exacerbations (MS attacks) or immunosuppressive therapy use within the previous 6 months 3. No concurrent infection or known cardiovascular disease including having a pacemaker; or other serious medical co-morbidity including metabolic, mitochondrial, autoimmune, diseases or other co-existing neurologic conditions. 4. Not involved in any clinical trial or other research that could confound results. 5. Must not be pregnant 6. Must not have an active diagnosis of cancer

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Muscle Fatigueup to 4 week photobiomodulation intervention, immediately after the intervention, and then 4 months after this extended treatmentChange in muscle fatigue or recovery after photobiomodulation therapy

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Systemic Inflammationup to 4 week photobiomodulation intervention, and then again at 4 months post-interventionChange in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026