The effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on recovery : a 10-week trial comparing duration of DOMS before and after the use of PBM with the use of BIODEX
This study examined the effects of photobiological phototherapy (PBM) on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in female collegiate athletes over a 10-week period. DOMS is a common side effect of intense exercise. Therefore, it can have a significant impact on athletic performance and training schedules. Although various rehabilitation strategies have been proposed, PBM therapy has emerged as a promising approach to improve muscle recovery and enhance performance. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design was used. The study tested the efficacy of PBM in managing DOMS in female field hockey players. Participants received a DOMS-inducing exercise protocol followed by a PBM or placebo light treatment. Muscle strength was objectively measured using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, while subjective pain perception was assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Results suggest that PBM therapy may have a positive effect on recovery of muscle strength after DOMS-induced exercise was found to be significantly different between the placebo conditions (however, subjective pain scores showed no significant differences between PBMT and placebo conditions). This study contributes to increasing research on PBM in sports science, while also addressing the underrepresentation of female athletes in such studies. To account for any hormonal changes or effects on the recovery process, we controlled for menstrual cycle stages. Although our results point to the potential advantages of PBM for muscle recovery, they also emphasise the complexity of DOMS and the difficulties in evaluating it. To completely understand the processes underlying PBM's effects on DOMS and to develop specific treatment plans that work for a variety of athletic groups, more research is required.
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