Photomedicine to Enhance Military Readiness Program; Systematic Testing of a Novel Therapy in An Active Population - Big Sky Sports Medicine Conference

e metzger, n hager, r ory, w lucio, l wagner, b isaacson, p pasquina

Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the 2025 Big Sky Sports Medicine Conference

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) 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, to biologically modulate cellular activity to enhance  healing. PBMT can enhance repair and regeneration of tissue, stimulate metabolism, and reduce  inflammation and pain during injury recovery. This program investigates the use of PBMT to treat musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) and enhance performance and recovery in United States  (US) military Service Members (SMs).

We conducted five clinical trials and one observational study at US military  installations to assess the application PBMT for MSKIs and performance and recovery.  Currently, 344 participants have enrolled. Data included objective measures and self-reports. 

When applied for plantar fasciitis (PF) and Achilles tendinopathy (AT), there were  improvements in self-reports across the injuries and treatment groups [vs. Sham for PF, and vs.  Standard of Care, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (SWT), PBMT alone, and in combination  with SWT for AT] in the Foot Functionality Captured via Foot and Ankle Ability Measure  (FAAM), Defense and Veteran Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS),Victorian Institute of Sport  Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index  (UWRI), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Objective ultrasound measures also  trended towards improvement. Further results for treating bone stress injury, general  wellness/recovery, and planned projects for performance will be available at the time of the  conference.