Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Use in Professional Soccer Players During a State Championship
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexMale
Age18-35
SponsorUniversidade Federal de Sao Carlos
About this trial
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 criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Male professional soccer players currently competing in the championship
Age 18-35 years
Training frequency ≥5 times per week
Able to attend all PBM/sham sessions and all assessments during the 8-week intervention
Disqualifiers
Lower-limb musculoskeletal injury in the last 6 months or currently receiving treatment
Current use of phototherapy or any other recovery-enhancing modality
Chronic medical conditions that may affect performance or recovery
Known sensitivity or contraindication to light-based therapies
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Whole-Body Photobiomodulation (PBM) (Active PBM)
RadiationThis 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
RadiationIntervention 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.
Treatment groups
24 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Active PBMExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Sham PBMPlacebo comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
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.
Time frame
Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), and end of week 8 (T3).Secondary outcomes
1
Knee Extensor Strength (Hand-Held Dynamometry)
Peak force of dominant-leg knee extensors measured with a handheld dynamometer in standardized seated position; mean of two MVC attempts used for analysis.
Time frame
Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3)2
Squat Jump (SJ) Height
Vertical jump height (cm) from Squat Jump (SJ) with hands on hips; mean of two trials; flight-time method on contact device.
Time frame
Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3) Unit: cm3
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height
Vertical jump height (cm) from Countermovement Jump (CMJ) with hands on hips; mean of two trials; flight-time method on contact device.
Time frame
Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3)Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov