Photomedicine Project 14: PBMT for Performance Enhancement in SOF

Last updated: February 4, 2025
Sponsor: Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR)
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

THOR3 training + Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT)

THOR3 training + sham PBMT

Clinical Study ID

NCT06380179
USUHS.2023-126
  • Ages 18-45
  • Male
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery, and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a low-level laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent avenue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects of a systematic application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups with focal PBMT application as compared to placebo. Further, PBMT research in healthy military tactical athletes is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. The investigators aim to study the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators.

The Intent: The investigators propose to conduct a single-blinded randomized-control trial with sham control to investigate the effectiveness of providing PBMT post physical training in a SOF population.

The specific aims of this study are to:

  1. Analyze and describe the physiologic effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training.

  2. Analyze and describe the behavioral effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training.

  3. Evaluate the overall clinical utility of focal PBMT subsequent to physical training in a US Army SOF, tactical athlete population.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Active-Duty Special Forces Personnel (18-series)

  • Able to read and understand English language for consent purposes

  • Able to commit to study intervention and follow-up

  • Able to participate in THOR3 coach-lead training, without restriction

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Obese (body fat > 25%)

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Use of select medications (e.g., statins, diuretics, hypertensive agents)

  • Female

  • Tattoo in treatment area (body region)

  • Diagnosis with porphyria (light induced allergy) or photosensitive eczema

  • Current use of medications associated with sensitivity to heat or light (e.g.,amiodarone, chlorpromazine, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, nalidixic acid,naproxen, piroxicam, tetracycline, thioridazine, voriconazole)

  • Use of pacemaker/underlying cardiac disease

  • Diagnosed with autoimmune disease(s)

  • Albinism

  • Peripheral Neuropathy

Study Design

Total Participants: 116
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: THOR3 training + Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT)
Phase:
Study Start date:
January 23, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
July 31, 2025

Connect with a study center

  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord

    Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington 98433
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.