NCT07602933 Photobiomodulation Effects on Fatigue and Muscle Damage Induced by NMES
| NCT ID | NCT07602933 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul |
| Condition | Photobiomodulation |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 36 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-06-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-08-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 36 participants in total. It began in 2026-06-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-08-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is widely used to improve muscle strength and mitigate atrophy. However, its clinical efficacy is often limited by early neuromuscular fatigue, muscle damage, and discomfort, which reduce patient tolerance and contraction time. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a potential therapy to enhance muscle performance and accelerate recovery by minimizing fatigue and damage. Despite its potential, few studies have investigated the effects of PBM applied specifically before an NMES-evoked fatigue protocol. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate the acute effects of PBM on neuromuscular fatigue, muscle damage, and functional outcomes in healthy young subjects. Participants will receive either active PBM (cluster probe: 5 lasers 810nm/200mW; 4 LEDs 660nm/10mW; Total Energy: 249.6 J per limb) or sham treatment 5 minutes before a fatiguing NMES protocol (80 contractions at 20% MVIC, 80 Hz, 1ms pulse width) applied to the quadriceps muscle. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 24h, 48h, and 72h post-intervention. Primary outcomes include maximum and evoked isometric strength, mechanical work, and electrical muscle activity. Secondary outcomes include muscle damage (ultrasound echo-intensity), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), functional performance (unilateral vertical jump), and clinical discomfort. The study seeks to determine if PBM can effectively modulate NMES-induced fatigue and muscle damage, potentially optimizing its clinical application.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy male and female volunteers. * Age between 18 and 45 years. * Practice physical activity regularly * No history of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs in the last 6 months * Ability to tolerate NMES Exclusion Criteria: * Have sensory intolerable changes due to NMES * Consumed coffee or another stimulant in the last 12 hours * Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 (grade I obesity) * Present any contraindication for the performance of maximum effort * Abnormal increase in blood pressure after maximal exertion
Contact & Investigator
Marco A Vaz, PhD
STUDY CHAIR
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07602933 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 45 Years, studying Photobiomodulation. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07602933 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07602933 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at marco.vaz@ufrgs.br for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07602933 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07602933 clinical trial?
NCT07602933 is sponsored by Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The principal investigator is Marco A Vaz, PhD at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The trial plans to enroll 36 participants.