Combined effects of photobiomodulation and osteopathic manipulation on the physical performance of young adults subjected to exercise-induced muscle damage: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Key Findings

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) and osteopathic manipulation (OM) on the physical performance of young adults subjected to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The study is a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Forty-five physically active male individuals were included and randomized into four groups: placebo (PL), PBM, OM, and PBM + OM. A red-light emitting diode (LED) (λ = 650 nm) was used. Participants in the PBM and PBM + OM groups received 144 J of energy in the right lower limb and/or underwent bilateral lumbar and pelvic manipulation (OM and PBM + OM) before the EIMD protocol. The following variables were analyzed before, immediately after, and 24, 48, and 72 h post-intervention: creatine kinase (CK), muscle strength, flexibility, and horizontal jump performance. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. CK levels were evaluated using the Friedman test, and repeated measures ANOVA was used for the other variables, p < 0.05. A distinct recovery pattern was observed in the combined PBM + OM group, with increased CK levels only at 24 h, followed by a pronounced reduction at 72 h (p = 0.001). Only the PBM + OM group presented percentage values near to baseline within 48 h (-1.4%), in addition to a trend toward early improvement in the horizontal jump within 24 h. In conclusion, PBM + OM may have contributed to improved CK kinetics and selected functional outcomes; however, strength recovery should be interpreted strictly as a non-significant and exploratory trend.

Why This Matters for Body-Mind Practice

[Draft — editorial context needed]

Source

• Combined effects of photobiomodulation and osteopathic manipulation on the physical performance of young adults subjected to exercise-induced muscle damage: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. — Lasers in medical science