Evaluating the Impact of Post-Exercise Photobiomodulation Application on Performance, Recovery, and Behavioral State in a Trained Special Operator Group- MHSRS 2025
hughes n, cornell b, rossi r, metzger e, hager n, ketz a, yuan x, wagner l, isaacson b, pasquina p
Abstracted accepted for a podium presentation at the 2025 Military Health System Research Symposium
Introduction: Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a therapeutic laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent venue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects after application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups receiving PBMT. Further, PBMT research in healthy elite Warfighters is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. We are investigating the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators.
Methods: We are conducting a single-blind, randomized-control trial in a healthy SOF population. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either PBMT or sham-PBMT post-THOR3, coach-led physical training. Treatment is administered 3 times/week for 3 weeks to both quadriceps. Baseline measurements include body fat percentage, height, weight, and military/demographic information. The following measurements are collected at baseline and 3-week follow-up: isokinetic/isometric quad and hamstring strength, Borg CR10 Rating of Perceived Exertion, and Elloumi short questionnaire of fatigue. Countermovement jump and self-reported delayed muscle soreness via the Visual Analog Scale are measured at baseline and weekly for three weeks. The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale, self-reported activity, and recovery and sleep via the Oura ring are tracked daily.
Results: The study recently launched. Preliminary results forthcoming at time of conference with an estimated N of 38 completed participants.
Conclusion: PBMT shows promise in accelerating musculoskeletal repair and psychological resilience, reducing injury risk, and enhancing performance in these domains. This study may inform standards of training and care to maximize readiness among elite warfighting units.