Phototherapy Applied in Association With Strength Training
Condition: Muscle Development in Association to Phototherapy
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The effects of phototherapy has been widely studied by some research groups. The
      investigators know that there are positive results with light application to improve muscle
      performance and delay fatigue. However, there are few studies showing its´ effects on
      muscular training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of phototherapy
      applied at different times during 12 weeks of strength training. For such, 48 volunteers,
      healthy male, from 18 to 35 years old were recruited to perform a strength training protocol
      for the anterior muscle of the thigh development. Volunteers performed the training protocol
      twice a week for 12 weeks. There were assessed isometric peak torque in isokinetic
      dynamometer, 1-repetition maximum test in the leg extension and leg press machines and
      bilateral thigh perimetry.
    

Detailed description: 
      This is a clinical, randomized, controlled placebo and double-blind study. Forty-eight
      participants performed strength training protocol. Subjects practiced a protocol training
      with 80% of the load, measured through 1-repetition maximum test. The training protocol
      consisted in performing 5 sets of 10 repetitions, twice a week, employing leg extension and
      leg press machines.

      Phototherapy, active or placebo, were applied in 6 different points of anterior muscle of the
      thigh before and after each training session. Only one investigator, that did not participate
      in any phase of the assessments and trainings sessions, knew about what program is active or
      placebo in phototherapy device. Randomisation carried out by a simple drawing of lots (A, B,
      C, or D) in the first visit. The phototherapy unit emitted the same sound regardless of the
      program used, active or placebo. Either strength training lasted 12 weeks and assessments
      were performed at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. There were evaluated maximal voluntary
      contraction (MVC), bilateral thigh perimetry and 1-repetition maximum test (1-RM).
    

Intervention name(s): Active or Placebo Phototherapy (MR4)
Intervention type(s): Device
Intervention description(s): Participants performed a strength training. Forty-eight subjects practiced a training protocol with 80% of the load, measured through 1-repetition maximum test. The strength training lasted 12 weeks and the evaluations were done monthly. Phototherapy, active or placebo, were applied in 6 different points of quadriceps muscle depending the group randomized, before and after each training session.
Other intervention name(s): MR4 device - device that combines super-pulsed lasers, and red and infrared LEDs (Multi Radiance Medical, Solon, OH, USA)
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: phototherapy; strength training; photobiostimulation; muscle development