MIRROR - Photobiomodulation Research Portfolio to Enhance Military Readiness — MHSRS 2023

Metzger E, Hager N, Wagner L, Isaacson B, Pasquina P

Abstract accepted for a poster session at the 2023 Military Health System Research Symposium

Noncombat, musculoskeletal injuries account for nearly 60% of warfighters’ limited duty days and 65% of warfighters on non-deployable status. Often the treatment and the rehabilitation modalities available for common musculoskeletal conditions have little impact on the progression of the condition. A safe, patient friendly, and effective modality that could advance the treatment of these conditions would be extremely impactful. Photobiomodulation (PBM) – (formerly known as low-power laser therapy or low-level laser therapy), involves applying non-ionizing forms of light from various sources including lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and broadband light, in the visible and near infrared spectrum, in order to biologically modulate cellular activity to enhance healing. Current research reveals that PBM treatment can influence repair and regeneration of several tissue lines, stimulate metabolism, and most importantly for the injured warfighter - reduce inflammation and pain while recovering from injury. The PBM research portfolio is investigating the influence of this modality as it serves to enhance human performance, recovery, operational readiness, and warfighter quality of life with guided research efforts into the following areas of interest and aimed outcomes:

1. Musculoskeletal (MSK) injury: increased function and decreased pain for issues such as knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendinopathy, and bone stress injury.

2. Performance: improved maximum isometric voluntary contraction, sprint time, and countermovement jump measures.

3. Recovery: decreased inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and physical activity disability.

4. Self-reported behavioral health: decreased delayed-onset muscle soreness, perceived exertion, fatigue, and mental athletic energy used, and increased sense of wellbeing.

5. Sleep: increased sleep efficiency and self-reported quality of sleep.

6. Nerve: increased nerve strength post-reparative common peripheral nerve surgery and comparative use of analogous, commercially available, or manufactured sealing mechanisms.

7. Hearing: preventative protective treatment to noise exposure.

8. Wound: increased reduction in pathogens during the healing process.