Millions of people suffer from head injuries each year, leading to long-term problems with concentration, mood, and motor skills. Among athletes, repetitive impacts to the head, often without immediate symptoms, can accumulate and cause significant brain and neuromuscular damage. Recent advancements in light therapy offer a promising non-invasive treatment that could help improve motor control and overall brain health for these individuals.

Researchers have found that a novel therapy combining intranasal and transcranial photobiomodulation (itPBM) can significantly improve neuromuscular control in individuals who have experienced repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs). This study, led by Dr. Paula Johnson from the University of Utah along with her colleagues, was published in the journal Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery.

The team explored the effects of itPBM on neuromuscular health. Their research focused on participants, predominantly male, aged between young adulthood and late middle age, all of whom had a history of concussive or RHAEs due to sports or other activities. Participants underwent an 8-week regimen of itPBM treatment using a headset equipped with near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a nasal clip. The study revealed significant improvements in reaction time, grip strength, and balance.

Dr. Johnson explained, “Our study indicates that itPBM can serve as a non-invasive solution for improving neuromuscular health. The therapy leverages near-infrared light to stimulate mitochondrial function and enhance cerebral blood flow, which may lead to better motor control and balance.”

The motivation behind this research stems from the growing concern over the long-term effects of concussions and RHAEs, which are often experienced by athletes. These head impacts can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated brain trauma. RHAEs, while not always resulting in immediate symptoms, can cause microstructural and functional changes in the brain, leading to neuromuscular impairments over time.

In their study, the researchers administered a series of motor assessments before and after the itPBM treatment. These included clinical reaction time, grip strength, the Grooved Pegboard Test for dexterity, and the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (MiniBEST). The results showed a marked improvement in reaction time and grip strength for both hands, with moderate enhancements in balance as measured by the MiniBEST.

Dr. Johnson highlighted the potential mechanisms behind these improvements, noting that itPBM may reduce excitotoxicity, a condition where nerve cells are damaged by excessive stimulation. “By alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and enhancing cerebral blood flow, itPBM could support neuroplasticity and improve motor control,” she said.

Interestingly, the study also noted that while the improvements in grip strength were modest, they were consistent across the study participants. The researchers observed that even small enhancements in grip strength and balance could translate to significant benefits in daily activities and overall quality of life.

The findings suggest that itPBM could be a valuable therapeutic approach for individuals with a history of head injuries, offering a non-invasive, low-risk, and cost-effective treatment option. Dr. Johnson and her team are optimistic about the potential of itPBM, with future studies planned to explore its long-term effects and efficacy in larger, more diverse populations.

“The potential of itPBM to improve neuromuscular health is promising,” said Dr. Johnson. “Our results provide a framework for more robust studies and suggest that this therapy could be integrated into broader treatment plans for athletes and individuals at risk of neuromuscular impairments due to head trauma.”

As Dr. Johnson and her team continue to understand RHAEs and their impacts on the brain, therapies like itPBM offer hope for mitigating their long-term consequences. This innovative approach not only addresses the immediate symptoms but also aims to prevent further deterioration of neuromuscular functions. The study underscores the importance of continuing research and development in this field, highlighting the potential for light therapy to become a standard treatment option for those suffering from the effects of repetitive head injuries. By paving the way for more comprehensive and effective treatments, researchers are making significant strides in the fight against the debilitating impacts of brain injuries.

Journal Reference

Johnson, P.K., et al. “The Effect of Intranasal Plus Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals with Repetitive Head Acceleration Events.” Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2023.0178