Publications & Research on Photobiomodulation

Systematic review of 4 randomized trials (133 participants). Photobiomodulation reduces postoperative pain and swelling following total knee or hip arthroplasty, although the protocols remain too heterogeneous to draw firm conclusions.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 clinical studies. Photobiomodulation modestly reduces pain associated with oral lichen planus and improves mucosal healing in erosive forms, without a significant effect on disease severity.

Network meta-analysis of 35 randomized trials (1,559 participants). Photobiomodulation showed the greatest estimated effects on the MMSE (+3.14 points) and the ADAS-Cog (-8.01), outperforming rTMS and tDCS.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials (456 participants). When combined with a strength-training program, photobiomodulation does not improve maximum strength, although benefits regarding fatigue and recovery have been reported in frail individuals.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 randomized trials (386 participants). Laser auriculotherapy significantly reduces anxiety (SMD -0.65), but the effect is no longer significant after excluding studies at high risk of bias.

An umbrella review of 20 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Photobiomodulation accelerates orthodontic tooth movement and provides short-term pain relief, although the level of evidence remains low.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 articles (2,438 children). Low-intensity red light is the only non-optical intervention that significantly reduces axial length (-0.26 mm) and protects the spherical equivalent (+0.60 D).

Network meta-analysis of 41 randomized trials (2,021 participants). For pain associated with myogenic temporomandibular disorders, photobiomodulation ranks first (SUCRA 88.9%), ahead of cognitive-behavioral therapies and electrotherapy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving a total of 240 participants. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score improved by 1.25 points, with a wide confidence interval and limited precision.

A network meta-analysis of 24 randomized trials involving 1,240 patients comparing eight interventions added to a home exercise program. Photobiomodulation reduces pain in the short term, with no demonstrated effect on function.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 randomized trials involving 1,519 participants on photobiomodulation applied prior to dental anesthesia injection. Pain is reduced on three scales, but the GRADE certainty remains very low.

A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 3,298 patients. Low-level laser therapy increases hair density by 18.6 hairs/cm² compared with placebo and by 11.8 hairs/cm² when used in combination with minoxidil, with mild and transient adverse effects.

Meta-analysis of 8 studies in myopic children. The combination of red light with orthokeratology or myopia-control lenses slows axial length growth more effectively than the optical treatment alone, starting in the first month and continuing through 12 months.