The investigators hypothesis is that the infrared-LED illumination during treadmill training can enhance physical performance in postmenopausal women. The basis for such a hypothesis is based on the fact that the light therapy during the intense metabolic stage caused by exercise may be more efficient.
Phototherapy improves cellular activation via absorption of photons by chromophores present in the protein components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain - mainly NADH dehydrogenases and cytochrome C oxidase, which leads to increased electron transport, production of ATP, and tissue regeneration (skin, muscle, bone, and nerves). Moreover, phototherapy stimulates the anti-inflammatory effect with analgesia and vasodilatation. Regarding body aesthetics, phototherapy increases microcirculation, lymphatic drainage, as well as collagen synthesis for the treatment of cellulite. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the effects of a new clinical procedure: infrared radiation originated from LEDs associated with treadmill training in postmenopausal women. LED arrays were developed for an irradiation of a large area, such as hip and quadriceps muscles, main actuators during stance and swing phases. These body parts are furthermore areas where there is incidence of osteoporosis, mainly at the femur, localized fat deposits, and cellulite. Infrared radiation (850 nm) was selected because this spectral range shows better skin penetration compared to red interval.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
Treadmill training with the application of the phototherapy was performed twice a week for 6 months, each session lasting 45 min at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate. The average power and power density on the skin were 100 mW and 39 mW/cm2, respectively. The treatment time was 45 min bilaterally in both thighs. These parameters led to an approximate fluence of 108 J/cm2.
Treadmill training without the application of the phototherapy was performed twice a week for 6 months, each session lasting 45 min at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate
Optics Group from Physics Institute of São Carlos (IFSC), University of São Paulo (USP)
São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
Effects of Infrared-LED Illumination Associated with Treadmill Training
Quantitative and qualitative evaluations
Time frame: 12 months
Maximal exercise testing
Progressive aerobic exercise testing on treadmill (Modified Bruce Protocol)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Isokinetic concentric exercise testing
Peak torque, power, work, and fatigue of the dominant quadriceps were measured using the isokinetic dynamometer
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months and 12 months
Biochemical tests
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), urea, creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, insulin and glucose
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Quality of life
Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Women´s Health Questionnaire (WHQ)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Dietary habits
3-day dietary record
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Exercise tolerance and heart rate variability
Submaximal constant-speed testing and heart rate variability via autonomic reflex testing
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Bone mineral density
Bone mineral density (femoral neck, wrist, and lumbar spine) via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 months
Thermography
Cutaneous temperature measurements
Time frame: Baseline