Science Of Photobiomodulation

A curated library of the peer-reviewed research, clinical trials, and reviews behind photobiomodulation (red light therapy). Grouped by topic for easy reference.

Photobiomodulation and Light Therapy Research

1. Biophysical Approaches for Oral Wound Healing: Emphasis on Photobiomodulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651023/
2. Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11776448/
3. Light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy for non-specific low back pain in working nurses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7592994/
4. Photobiomodulation in Human Muscle Tissue: An Advantage in Sports Performance? https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201600176
5. Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Laser Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201670113
6. Phototherapy With Light Emitting Diodes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843358/
7. Shining Light on the Head: Photobiomodulation for Brain Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002
8. Dose–response effects of light therapy on sleepiness and circadian phase shift in shift workers: a meta-analysis and moderator analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8184774/
9. Light treatment of mood disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181775
10. Transcranial infrared laser stimulation produces beneficial cognitive and emotional effects in humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306452212011268
11. Red (660 nm) and infrared (830 nm) low-level laser therapy in skeletal muscle fatigue in humans: what is better? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3282894/
12. The Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288797/
13. Red Light Therapy: Does It Work to Boost Overall Health? https://draxe.com/health/red-light-therapy/
14. Photobiomodulation via multiple-wavelength radiations. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31523781/
15. Review of light parameters and photobiomodulation efficacy: dive into complexity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30550048/
16. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214647416300381
17. The potential of visible and far-red to near-infrared light in glaucoma neuroprotection. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135872

Clinical Applications and Trials

1. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616
2. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/
3. A clinical review of phototherapy for psoriasis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756569/
4. Combination 830-nm and 633-nm light-emitting diode phototherapy shows promise in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19764893/
5. Clinical efficacy and tolerability of new low-level blue and red light therapy technology in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)30784-3/fulltext
6. Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson's disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study. https://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12883-021-02248-y
7. The efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in improving tissue resilience and healing of radiation skin damage. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6732/9/1/10
8. Therapeutic efficacy of home-use photobiomodulation devices: a systematic literature review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31050938/
9. Low-Level Laser Therapy Improves Visual Acuity in Adolescent and Adult Patients with Amblyopia. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2011.3089
10. A systematic review of low‐level light therapy for treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12399
11. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive, Photoceutical Approach. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30889017/
12. A new perspective on delivery of red-near-infrared light therapy for disorders of the brain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27755969/
13. Sustained and rebound effect of repeated low-level red-light therapy on myopia control: A 2-year post-trial follow-up study. https://doi.org/10.1111/ceo.14149
14. Longitudinal Changes and Predictive Value of Choroidal Thickness for Myopia Control after Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.10.002
15. Transcranial Photobiomodulation to Improve Cognition in Gulf War Illness. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.574386/full
16. The Use of a Light-Emitting Diode Device for Neck Rejuvenation and Its Safety on Thyroid Glands. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8073506/

Mechanisms and Biological Effects

1. Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy (660 nm) on Acute Inflammation Induced by Tenotomy of Achilles Tendon in Rats. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2012.01179.x
2. Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/php.12864
3. Photobiomodulation of Cytochrome c Oxidase by Chronic Transcranial Laser in Young and Aged Brains. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8971717/
4. Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3499892/
5. Red/Near Infrared Light Stimulates Release of an Endothelium Dependent Vasodilator and Rescues Vascular Dysfunction in a Diabetes Model. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5699925/
6. Safety of Light Emitting Diode‐Red Light on Human Skin: Two Randomized Controlled Trials. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201960014
7. The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/
8. Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) in Skin: Stimulating, Healing, Restoring. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
9. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
10. Effect of wavelength and beam width on penetration in light-tissue interaction using computational methods. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5653719/
11. Effect of pre-irradiation with different doses, wavelengths, and application intervals of low-level laser therapy on cytochrome c oxidase activity in intact skeletal muscle of rats. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24957189/
12. Time response of increases in ATP and muscle resistance to fatigue after low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in mice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25700769/
13. Repeated transcranial low-level laser therapy for traumatic brain injury in mice: biphasic dose response and long-term treatment outcome. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5025344/
14. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4493260/

Skin and Dermatology

1. Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) in Skin: Stimulating, Healing, Restoring. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
2. Lasers and Lights: How Well Do They Treat Acne? https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/lasers-lights
3. Comparison of Red and Infrared Low-level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3352636/
4. Low-Intensity Visible and Near-Infrared Light-Induced Cell Signaling Pathways in the Skin: A Comprehensive Review. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2022.0127
5. Low-level laser therapy/photobiomodulation in the management of side effects of chemoradiation therapy in head and neck cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4846551/
6. Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848333/
7. Improved Wound Remodeling Correlates with Modulated TGF-beta Expression in Skin Diabetic Wounds Following Combined Red and Infrared Photobiomodulation Treatments. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29457837/
8. Phototherapy, photodynamic therapy and photophoresis in the treatment of connective-tissue diseases: a review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25400115/

Sports and Physical Performance

1. Photobiomodulation in Human Muscle Tissue: An Advantage in Sports Performance? https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201600176
2. Photobiomodulation and Sports: Results of a Narrative Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706093/
3. Effects of Light-Emitting Diode Therapy on Muscle Hypertrophy, Gene Expression, Performance, Damage, and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026559/
4. The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/
5. Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7738953/

Brain and Cognitive Function

1. Photobiomodulation of the Brain: Shining Light on Alzheimer's and Other Neuropathological Diseases. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad210743
2. Photobiomodulation for the treatment of retinal diseases: a review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26949625/
3. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214647416300381
4. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
5. Transcranial Photobiomodulation to Improve Cognition in Gulf War Illness. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.574386/full
6. Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7738953/

Reviews and Systematic Analyses

1. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive, Photoceutical Approach. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30889017/
2. The History of Light Therapy in Hospital Physiotherapy and Medicine with Emphasis on Australia. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.1887060
3. A new perspective on delivery of red-near-infrared light therapy for disorders of the brain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27755969/
4. Photobiomodulation for the treatment of retinal diseases: a review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26949625/

Safety and Health Effects

1. Eye safety related to near infrared radiation exposure to biometric devices. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21380486/
2. Insufficient Sun Exposure Has Become a Real Public Health Problem. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400257/
3. International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). https://www.icnirp.org/
4. Increase in RNA and protein synthesis by mitochondria irradiated with helium-neon laser. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2476986/
5. Light as a potential treatment for pandemic coronavirus infections: A perspective. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32388486/
6. Low-Intensity Light Therapy: Exploring the Role of Redox Mechanisms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996814/
7. Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/EB.S21391
8. Optical properties of human skin, subcutaneous and mucous tissues in the wavelength range from 400 to 2000 nm. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0022-3727/38/15/004
9. Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/41/6/723/6104785
10. Photobiomodulation—Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356229/
11. Recent advances in low-level laser therapy on depression. https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/SAB.2022.9060026

General Information and Miscellaneous

1. Can I Use Red Light Therapy While Pregnant? https://www.blockbluelight.com/blogs/news/can-i-use-red-light-therapy-while-pregnant
2. Morning exposure to deep red light improves declining eyesight. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2021/nov/morning-exposure-deep-red-light-improves-declining-eyesight
3. Near-Infrared Light and Skin: Why Intensity Matters. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34698043/
4. Red light therapy (photobiomodulation). https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/photobiomodulation
5. Sunlight and health: shifting the focus from vitamin D3 to photobiomodulation by red and near-infrared light. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32464190/
6. The influence of Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy on Raynaud's phenomenon. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4348551/
7. Using Light (Sunlight, Blue Light & Red Light) to Optimize Health — Huberman Lab. https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/using-light-sunlight-blue-light-and-red-light-to-optimize-health