Application of phototherapy in association with aerobic training

The benefits of regular physical activity have already been proven in numerous studies, related to social, emotional and physical well-being, favoring healthy individuals, as well as those with pathological conditions, seeking an improvement in quality of life and consequently better performance in their activities. The effects of photobiomodulation (PBMT) with low-power laser and/or light-emitting diode therapy in humans have been studied extensively in terms of improving muscle performance and recovery. However, its long-term effects and the ideal time to apply the technique still needed to be better defined, such as the ideal time to apply it, or whether it should take place before or after training. Ninety-six volunteers were recruited, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 35, who underwent an aerobic exercise protocol associated with active photobiomodulation or placebo, before and/or after each training session, over a 12-week period. It was concluded that photobiomodulation therapy was effective in improving and increasing muscle performance.