Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07224646

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Use in Professional Soccer Players During a State Championship

This study aims to investigate the effects of whole-body photobiomodulation on professional soccer players during a state championship. The primary question is whether photobiomodulation improves recovery, reduces muscle fatigue, and enhances performance compared to standard training without photobiomodulation.

Recruiting

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Key information

Conditions

Athletic Performance Muscle Fatigue Muscle Strength Sports

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Desportivo Brasil Training Center

Porto Feliz, São Paulo, 18546412, Brazil

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Italo A Oliveira, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

+55 19 997190361

Italo A Oliveira, MSc

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

Detailed Description:

This randomized, controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of whole-body photobiomodulation (PBM) on recovery and performance in professional soccer players during a state championship.

The intervention will be performed twice weekly on non-consecutive days for 8 weeks, in combination with each athlete's standard training routine. Participants will be allocated to either an active PBM group or a sham PBM group, both following identical procedures to maintain blinding.

Throughout the study, participants will complete scheduled assessments at baseline, during, and after the 8-week period to monitor performance, muscle soreness, and hematological responses. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with a significance level of 5% (two-tailed).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male professional soccer players currently competing in the championship
  • Age 18-35 years
  • Training frequency ≥5 times per week
  • Able to attend all PBM/sham sessions and all assessments during the 8-week intervention
  • Signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Lower-limb musculoskeletal injury in the last 6 months or currently receiving treatment
  • Current use of phototherapy or any other recovery-enhancing modality
  • Chronic medical conditions that may affect performance or recovery
  • Known sensitivity or contraindication to light-based therapies
  • Inability to comply with the intervention or training schedule

Treatment and study plan

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation (PBM) (Active PBM)

Radiation

This intervention consists of whole-body photobiomodulation delivered using a full-body PBM device. Sessions are performed twice weekly on non-consecutive days for 8 weeks, coinciding with the athletes' standard training. The device emits therapeutic light at specified wavelengths and power, targeting the entire body. The protocol is standardized according to prior research, ensuring consistent exposure for all participants in the active arm. The intervention aims to improve muscle performance and recovery while reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Sham PBM

Radiation

Intervention Description (Sham PBM):

Participants receive a sham photobiomodulation intervention using the same device and schedule, but without emission of therapeutic light. The procedure mimics the active intervention to maintain blinding while allowing comparison of outcomes, including muscle performance, DOMS, and blood markers.

Primary outcomes

  1. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

    Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), and end of week 8 (T3).

    Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS; 0-10 points; higher scores = worse pain) during a maximal voluntary knee-extension contraction in sitting. Pain location/extent captured with a standardized pain drawing (exploratory). Primary analysis uses NRS.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Knee Extensor Strength (Hand-Held Dynamometry)

    Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3)

    Peak force of dominant-leg knee extensors measured with a handheld dynamometer in standardized seated position; mean of two MVC attempts used for analysis.

  2. Squat Jump (SJ) Height

    Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3) Unit: cm

    Vertical jump height (cm) from Squat Jump (SJ) with hands on hips; mean of two trials; flight-time method on contact device.

  3. Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height

    Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3)

    Vertical jump height (cm) from Countermovement Jump (CMJ) with hands on hips; mean of two trials; flight-time method on contact device.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Italo A Oliveira, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

+55 19 997190361

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos

Other

Registry information

Acronym: WBPBM-PSC

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Nov 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.