Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on performance and running economy in runners: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Issue 12 (18th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lanferdini, Fábio J.; Silva, Edson S.; Boeno, Francesco P.; Sonda, Francesca C.; Rosa, Rodrigo G.; Quevedo, Rodrigo; Baroni, Bruno M.; Reischak-Oliveira, Álvaro; Vaz, Marco A.; Peyré-Tartaruga, Leonardo A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 39:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1348
• Page End: 1355
• Publication Date: 2021-06-18
• Subjects: Photobiomodulation therapy -- distance running -- performance -- metabolic economy; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1872930
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the 3000 m running performance (primary outcome), running economy (RE), metabolic cost and ratings of perceived exertion during running (secondary outcomes). Twenty male endurance athletes performed 4-min treadmill rectangular test at 12 km.h-1 monitored by a gas analyser. After that, PBMT or placebo in each lower limb was applied, followed performed a maximum test of 3000 m. Immediately after 3000 m test, the athletes repeated the treadmill test. Another application of PBMT/placebo was done after the treadmill test, and athletes went back to the laboratory 24 h later to repeat the treadmill test. After a 72 h interval, athletes repeated all procedures with another treatment intervention (PBMT/placebo). Athletes performed the 3000 m running test ~7s faster when treated with PBMT with similar effort score compared placebo condition. The RE remains unchanged immediately post 3000 m running test, nonetheless RE measured post-24 h improved by 5% with PBMT application without changes in metabolic cost. The PBMT pre- and post-conditioning enhanced the 3000 m running performance and improved RE 24 h following the 3000 m test. However, no changes on ratings of perceived exertion and metabolic cost with the application of PBMT.