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.
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).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
24
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).
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.
Desportivo Brasil Training Center
Porto Feliz, São Paulo, Brazil
RECRUITINGDelayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
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.
Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), and end of week 8 (T3).
Knee Extensor Strength (Hand-Held Dynamometry)
Peak force of dominant-leg knee extensors measured with a handheld dynamometer in standardized seated position; mean of two MVC attempts used for analysis.
Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3)
Squat Jump (SJ) Height
Vertical jump height (cm) from Squat Jump (SJ) with hands on hips; mean of two trials; flight-time method on contact device.
Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3) Unit: cm
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height
Vertical jump height (cm) from Countermovement Jump (CMJ) with hands on hips; mean of two trials; flight-time method on contact device.
Time frame: Baseline (T1), weekly (T2, weeks 1-8), end of week 8 (T3)
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