Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Use in Professional Soccer Players During a State Championship

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation (PBM) (Active PBM): This intervention consists of whole-body photobiomodulation delivered using a full-body PBM device. Sessions are performed twice weekly on non-consecutive days for 8 weeks, coinciding with the athletes' standard training. The device emits therapeutic light at specified wavelengths and power, targeting the entire body. The protocol is standardized according to prior research, ensuring consistent exposure for all participants in the active arm. The intervention aims to improve muscle performance and recovery while reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Sham PBM: Intervention Description (Sham PBM): Participants receive a sham photobiomodulation intervention using the same device and schedule, but without emission of therapeutic light. The procedure mimics the active intervention to maintain blinding while allowing comparison of outcomes, including muscle performance, DOMS, and blood markers.

Study summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of whole-body photobiomodulation on professional soccer players during a state championship. The primary question is whether photobiomodulation improves recovery, reduces muscle fatigue, and enhances performance compared to standard training without photobiomodulation.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) — Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), and end of week 8 (T3).
  Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS; 0-10 points; higher scores = worse pain) during a maximal voluntary knee-extension contraction in sitting. Pain location/extent captured with a standardized pain drawing (exploratory). Primary analysis uses NRS.

Trial sites (1)

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