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Full-body red and near-infrared photobiomodulation is feasible and highly acceptable in a predominantly Hispanic/Latino population with musculoskeletal pain, and is associated with substantial perceived benefit.

In a single-arm pilot study of 40 adults with musculoskeletal pain, 92.1% reported global improvement, 74.3% reported immediate pain relief after the first session, and 95.0% would recommend PBM. Exploratory analysis estimated a reduction in total pain burden from median 6.0 to 3.5 (p < 0.001, r = 0.88).

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Feasibility and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Full-Body Red and Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation for Musculoskeletal Pain in a Predominantly Hispanic/Latino Population: A Single-Arm Pilot Study.

observational

Scoz RD, Garza F, Burberg I, Moreno I, Cantu ME, Dominguez M, Gonzalez J · Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 10 sessions (duration not specified, likely over several weeks)
Intervention: Full-body LED panel emitting 630, 660, 830, and 850 nm light in continuous-wave mode for 20 minutes per session, across 10 sessions.
Outcome: Global and regional perceived pain improvement, functional domains (sleep quality, muscle stiffness, energy), acceptability, safety, and estimated total pain burden.
Effect Size: r = 0.88 for estimated total pain burden reduction
Population: 40 adults with self-reported acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain; 87.5% Hispanic/Latino, 62.5% female, mean age 37.2 years.

Result:

PubMed: 42629561DOI: 10.1177/25785478261481618

Mechanism Graph

Red and NIR light penetrates tissue and is absorbed by chromophores in mitochondria
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This absorption may enhance cellular metabolism and ATP production
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Modulation of inflammatory and analgesic pathways occurs
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Result: perceived reduction in pain and improvement in function

Limitations

  • ⚠Single-arm uncontrolled design precludes efficacy conclusions
  • ⚠Outcomes based on non-validated surveys and estimated post-intervention pain scores rather than directly measured values
  • ⚠Adverse event severity and duration not captured

Frequently Asked Questions

What is photobiomodulation (PBM) and how is it delivered?▼

PBM uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular processes. In this study, a full-body LED panel emitting 630, 660, 830, and 850 nm light was used for 20-minute sessions, 10 times total.

Is PBM effective for musculoskeletal pain?▼

This pilot study shows high perceived benefit (92.1% global improvement), but due to the uncontrolled design, efficacy cannot be confirmed. A sham-controlled trial is needed.

Was PBM safe in this study?▼

Only one participant reported a negative or uncomfortable feeling, but severity and duration were not recorded. Overall, PBM was well-tolerated.

Who was studied in this trial?▼

The study included 40 adults with musculoskeletal pain, predominantly Hispanic/Latino (87.5%), with a mean age of 37.2 years and 62.5% female.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Scoz RD, Garza F, Burberg I, Moreno I, Cantu ME, Dominguez M, Gonzalez J. "Feasibility and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Full-Body Red and Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation for Musculoskeletal Pain in a Predominantly Hispanic/Latino Population: A Single-Arm Pilot Study.." Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery, 2026. PMID: 42629561 DOI: 10.1177/25785478261481618
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.