white paper

Improvements in Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Cerebellum after Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Adults with a History of Repetitive Head Acceleration Events

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Abstract

Objective

The current study sought to explore the impact of a novel noninvasive treatment called transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the cerebellum in individuals with a history of repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs).

Background

RHAEs are associated with cumulative neurological compromise, including chronic alterations in rsFC; however, few treatments have been investigated to mitigate these effects. A recent study by our team demonstrated that PBM treatment led to improvements in measures of balance and motor function in adults with RHAE exposure. Due to the cerebellum’s role in motor functioning and its connectivity with cerebral regions targeted by PBM, we sought to examine changes in the rsFC of the cerebellum following PBM treatment.

Methods

Thirty individuals with RHAE used an at-home PBM headset with an intranasal cannula for 20 min every other day for a period of 8-10 weeks. A total of 240 J/cm2 of red and near-infrared light was administered to cortical nodes of the default mode network (DMN) and subcortical structures in each session. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, rsFC was measured before and after treatment in 11 cerebellar seed regions associated with the DMN, salience network (SN), and frontoparietal network (FPN).

Results

We observed an overall decrease in between-network connectivity and an increase in within-network connectivity after PBM treatment, particularly in the SN and FPN.

Conclusions

These results suggest that PBM may improve network efficiency of the cerebellum by regulating overactive connections and increasing network segregation.

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white paper

Transcranial Photobiomodulation Promotes Neurological Resilience in Current Collegiate American Football Players Exposed to Repetitive Head Acceleration Events

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Abstract

Repetitive head acceleration events (RHAE) are common in contact sports and associated with neuroinflammation, axonal injury, and long-term neurological impairments, including increased risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Current strategies for addressing RHAE focus on post-injury care rather than proactive neuroprotection, leaving athletes vulnerable to cumulative neurotrauma. Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) has shown promise in reducing neuroinflammation and promoting neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury; however, its potential to mitigate the structural brain changes associated with RHAE in actively competing athletes has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PBM mitigates RHAE-related neuroinflammatory and microstructural changes in collegiate American football players over a single National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I season.

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white paper

Transcranial Photobiomodulation Promotes Neurological Resilience in Current Collegiate American Football Players Exposed to Repetitive Head Acceleration Events

/in /by

Abstract

Repetitive head acceleration events (RHAE) are common in contact sports and associated with neuroinflammation, axonal injury, and long-term neurological impairments, including increased risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Current strategies for addressing RHAE focus on post-injury care rather than proactive neuroprotection, leaving athletes vulnerable to cumulative neurotrauma. Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) has shown promise in reducing neuroinflammation and promoting neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury; however, its potential to mitigate the structural brain changes associated with RHAE in actively competing athletes has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PBM mitigates RHAE-related neuroinflammatory and microstructural changes in collegiate American football players over a single National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I season. We hypothesized that restricted diffusion imaging (RDI) and quantitative anisotropy (QA), diffusion magnetic resonance imaging markers of neuroinflammation and axonal remodeling, respectively, would increase in the Sham PBM group due to RHAE exposure but remain stable in the Active PBM group, indicating neurological resilience. Twenty-six collegiate football players were randomly assigned to Active (n = 13) or Sham (n = 13) PBM groups. PBM (810 nm) was self-administered 3 days a week under supervision in the athletic training room with a transcranial plus intranasal device throughout the preseason practice period and regular season (16 weeks). Diffusion MRI data were collected pre- and postseason, and correlational tractography was used to assess the effects of PBM on longitudinal changes in RDI and QA. Moderation analyses examined time × group interactions, with post hoc analyses exploring within- and between-group differences in RDI and QA cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Correlational tractography revealed significant main effects and interactions of time and group, with widespread increases in RDI and QA observed in the Sham PBM group over the season, consistent with neuroinflammation and axonal remodeling. In contrast, the Active PBM group showed relative stability in RDI and QA over time, with significant reductions observed in some areas. These findings suggest that PBM may mitigate ongoing neuroinflammation and facilitate the recovery processes. This study provides the first evidence suggesting that transcranial PBM reduces neuroinflammatory and axonal injury markers in American collegiate football players over a single season. PBM may serve as a noninvasive and accessible intervention for mitigating the cumulative neurological effects of RHAE exposure, offering a neuroprotective strategy for athletes participating in collision and contact sports. Future research should examine the long-term benefits of PBM across multiple seasons and its impact on functional outcomes to further establish the role of PBM in athlete brain health and wellness.

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white paper

Transcranial Photobiomodulation Promotes Neurological Resilience in Current Collegiate American Football Players Exposed to Repetitive Head Acceleration Events

/in , /by

Abstract

Repetitive head acceleration events (RHAE) are common in contact sports and associated with neuroinflammation, axonal injury, and long-term neurological impairments, including increased risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Current strategies for addressing RHAE focus on post-injury care rather than proactive neuroprotection, leaving athletes vulnerable to cumulative neurotrauma. Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) has shown promise in reducing neuroinflammation and promoting neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury; however, its potential to mitigate the structural brain changes associated with RHAE in actively competing athletes has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PBM mitigates RHAE-related neuroinflammatory and microstructural changes in collegiate American football players over a single National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I season. We hypothesized that restricted diffusion imaging (RDI) and quantitative anisotropy (QA), diffusion magnetic resonance imaging markers of neuroinflammation and axonal remodeling, respectively, would increase in the Sham PBM group due to RHAE exposure but remain stable in the Active PBM group, indicating neurological resilience. Twenty-six collegiate football players were randomly assigned to Active (n = 13) or Sham (n = 13) PBM groups.

Read More or download the PDF.

white paper

A Proof-of-Concept Study Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Plus Intranasal Photobiomodulation on Cognitive Function after Repetitive Head Acceleration Events

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Abstract

Objective: Investigate the effects of transcranial plus intranasal photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment on cognitive function, using an 810 nm light emitting diode headset and intranasal applicator every other day for 8–10 weeks.
Background Data: An effective gold standard for the rehabilitation of repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs) does not yet exist.
Methods: Forty-four participants with a history of RHAEs completed a battery of cognitive tests before and after PBM treatment. Data were analyzed at the group level (paired samples t-tests, controlling for multiple comparisons) and on the individual-person level (reliable change indices).
Results: On a group level, participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements with moderate-to-large effect sizes in fluid cognition, verbal learning and memory, attention and working memory, and aspects of executive function following PBM treatment. Specific improvements were observed in verbal learning/encoding and delayed recall, sustained attention, errors of omission and commission, working memory, inhibition, and cognitive switching. On the individual level, 0–36% of participants showed reliable improvement across cognitive measures, depending on the subtest; changes were greatest on measures of attention and memory.
Conclusions: Results suggest that PBM treatment may be a promising intervention for improving cognitive function in individuals with a history of RHAEs. Observed improvements in cognitive function following PBM treatment may have important implications for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairments associated with RHAEs. Further studies with more robust research designs that utilize clinical trial methodologies are needed to confirm and extend these findings.

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white paper

Transcranial Photobiomodulation and Firefighter Health and Wellness: A Single-Arm, Open-Label Pilot Study

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Abstract

Background
First responders are often exposed to many physically and mentally stressful events throughout their careers, and common complaints include poor sleep quality, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress symptoms, mood dysregulation, and cognitive impairments.
Objective
We performed an open protocol, active treatment-only study with a small sample of male firefighters (n = 16) to examine the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) on self-reported symptom measures and objective measures of cognitive function.
Methods/Materials and Methods
The treatment consisted of 810 nm near-infrared light to the head using four transcranial LEDs and one intranasal LED. Treatment duration was 20 min per session, 3-4 sessions per week for 8 weeks.
Results
We found significant pre-/post-treatment improvements with moderate-to-large effect sizes in mood and post-traumatic stress symptoms, pain interference, and readiness for social reintegration, and across all measures of fluid cognition.
Conclusions
This proof-of-concept study also demonstrated no significant side effects, good compliance, and feasibility of use in a first responder population. Though additional research is required, PBM may present a relatively cost-effective, well-tolerated, low-risk, and easy-to-use treatment to enhance both specific symptoms and general wellness.

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white paper

PBM or LED Therapy for TBI

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Abstract

Light emitting diode (LED) therapy: is a non-invasive treatment modality that can be used in the office setting and at home (when indicated). LED is a painless, non-thermal photobiomodulation (PBM)  treatment that directly targets the cellular functioning of injured brain cells.

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white paper

Can Transcranial Photobiomodulation Improve Cognitive Function in TBI Patients?

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Abstract

Introduction: Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology which has become a promising therapy for treating many brain diseases. Although it has been confirmed in studies targeting neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that tPBM can improve cognitive function, the effectiveness of interventions targeting TBI patients remains to be determined. This systematic review examines the cognitive outcomes of clinical trials concerning tPBM in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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white paper

The Effect of Intranasal Plus Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals with Repetitive Head Acceleration Events

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Introduction
Approximately 3.8 million sport- and recreation-related concussions occur annually in the United States. The effects of concussion, including persistent long-term issues with concentration and physical skills is a growing concern. Equally concerning are the effects of repetitive head impacts (RHIs), also known as repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs). RHAE has the same meaning as RHI; however, it is emerging as a preferred term because it inherently indicates that the brain is experiencing translational and/or rotational movement because of external forces regardless of the source (blast or mechanical blow) or location (head or body) of the impact forces. Although RHAE may include concussions or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), most do not result in any acute detectable clinical symptoms. However, the cumulative effect of RHAE, like concussion or mTBI, could progress to traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), a clinical disorder associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). An athlete may experience over 100 RHAEs per season. Although the athlete may be asymptomatic, RHAEs result in microstructural and functional changes in the brain similar to that seen in concussion or mTBI, leading to altered motor unit recruitment strategies, increased acute corticomotor inhibition, and other neuromuscular impairments, such as reduced dynamic balance or reaction time, in the long-term.

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