NCT07209683 The Effect of Near-infrared Light Therapy on Brain Function and Cognition in Young and Older Adults
| NCT ID | NCT07209683 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Oklahoma |
| Condition | Cognition |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 30 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-10-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-09-30 |
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 30 participants in total. It began in 2025-10-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-09-30.
⚠ 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
The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to test whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using near-infrared light, can improve brain blood flow regulation (neurovascular coupling) and cognitive function in older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does tPBM enhance neurovascular coupling responses during memory and finger tapping tasks? * Are these improvements linked to better cognitive performance and lower levels of brain inflammation and oxidative stress? Researchers will compare an active tPBM treatment arm to a sham treatment arm to see if tPBM leads to measurable improvements in brain activity and cognitive function compared to no active stimulation. Participants will: * Receive either active tPBM or sham stimulation sessions for 4 weeks, every other day using a portable intervention device. * Complete questionnaires and an iPAD-based cognitive testing protocol * Complete memory and motor tasks while their brain activity is measured using non-invasive techniques: simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial doppler (TCD) flowmetry. * Retinal vessel reactivity will be measured during flickering light stimulus using a special camera (dynamic vessel analysis, DVA). * Provide blood samples to test for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and brain cell damage.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 21-85 years of age * Adequate hearing and visual acuity to participate in the examinations * Ability to read and write in English * Competence to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Active CNS disease including multiple sclerosis, uncontrolled seizures, active brain cancer * Cerebrovascular accident other than TIA within 60 days prior to Visit 0 * Major psychiatric disease, including major depression not currently controlled on medications, alcohol or drug abuse * Participant currently uses commercial brain stimulation / neuromodulation device or an experimental device as part of a research study, e.g. tDCS, tACS, TBS, DBS, TMS, TPBM, etc. * Participant currently takes dietary supplements with an expected cerebrovascular benefit, such as NAD- or NR-supplement, L-citrulline, urolithin * Unstable medical condition, including uncontrolled diabetes, chronic heart issues, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Stage 2 hypertension uncontrolled by medication (\>160/100 mmHg) * Any other medical condition or medication which, in the opinion of investigator, would render the patient inappropriate or too unstable to complete the study protocol. * Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant in the next 1 months (self-reported), breastfeeding
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07209683 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 21 Years or older, up to 85 Years, studying Cognition. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07209683 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07209683 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at peter-mukli@ou.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07209683 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Oklahoma City, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07209683 clinical trial?
NCT07209683 is sponsored by University of Oklahoma. The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.