Red Light Therapy Research

Written by Shawn White, LMT

Here is an extensive list of red light therapy research studies. It is available for you to review at your leisure. If you, like me, enjoy researching everything yourself, use this list as a starting point. Your exploration of knowledge is magnificent and marvelous, and it will lead you toward limitless adventure. I hope you have an abundance of fun in the process. The world is a far better place when we have free access to information, especially when it has been compiled for your viewing pleasure.

Red Light Therapy Research Studies

  • [1] Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337-361. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
  • [2] Nguyen, J. K., Weedon, J., Jakus, J., Heilman, E., Isseroff, R. R., Siegel, D. M., & Jagdeo, J. R. (2019). A dose-ranging, parallel group, split-face, single-blind phase II study of light-emitting diode-red light (LED-RL) for skin scarring prevention: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20, 432. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31307501/
  • [3] Yue, X., Mei, Y., Zhang, Y., Tong, Z., Cui, D., Yang, J., Wang, A., Wang, R., Fei, X., Ai, L., Di, Y., Luo, H., Li, H., Luo, W., Lu, Y., Li, R., Du, C., Gao, G., Yang, H., … Tong, Z. (2019). New insight into Alzheimer’s disease: Light reverses Aβ-obstructed interstitial fluid flow and ameliorates memory decline in APP/PS1 mice. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 5, 671–684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trci.2019.09.006
  • [4] Sommer, A. P., & Zhu, D. (2009). Green tea and red light—a powerful duo in skin rejuvenation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 27(6), 969–971. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2547
  • [5] Zhou, D., Sun, M.-H., Jiang, W.-J., Li, X.-H., Lee, S.-H., Heo, G., Niu, Y.-J., Ock, S. A., & Zha, X.-S. (2022). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects porcine oocytes against post-ovulatory aging through inhibition of oxidative stress. Aging, 14(22), 9120–9135. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.204368
  • [6] Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616
  • [7] Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pamukci, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: Stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049929/
  • [8] Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y.-Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516–533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7
  • [9] Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Mechanisms and mitochondrial redox signaling in photobiomodulation. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 94(2), 199–212. https://doi.org/10.1111/php.12864
  • [10] Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Photobiomodulation for traumatic brain injury and stroke. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 96(4), 731–743. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24190

Red Light Therapy Research Studies Reflection

Thus far, what are your thoughts on the red light therapy research studies you have read? What are some questions you may have, and do you believe you have more or less faith in its efficacy?

  • [11] Ferraresi, C., Huang, Y.-Y., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: An advantage in sports performance? Journal of Biophotonics, 9(11–12), 1273–1299. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201600176
  • [12] Ahn, S.-H., Suh, J.-S., Lim, G.-H., & Kim, T.-J. (2023). The potential effects of light irradiance in glaucoma and photobiomodulation therapy. Bioengineering, 10(2), 223. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10020223
  • [13] Phypers, R., Berisha-Muharremi, V., & Hanna, R. (2024). The efficacy of multiwavelength red and near-infrared transdermal photobiomodulation light therapy in enhancing female fertility outcomes and improving reproductive health: A prospective case series with 9-month follow-up. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(23), 7101. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237101
  • [14] Austin, E., Huang, A., Wang, J. Y., Cohen, M., Heilman, E., Maverakis, E., Michl, J., & Jagdeo, J. (2022). Red light phototherapy using light-emitting diodes inhibits melanoma proliferation and alters tumor microenvironments. Frontiers in Oncology, 12, 928484. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.928484
  • [15] Torres-Martinez, N., Chabardes, S., & Mitrofanis, J. (2022). Lights for epilepsy: Can photobiomodulation reduce seizures and offer neuroprotection? Neural Regeneration Research, 18(7), 1423–1426. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.360288
  • [16] Szymańska, A., Budzisz, E., & Erkiert-Polguj, A. (2021). The anti-acne effect of near-infrared low-level laser therapy. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 14, 1045–1051. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S323132
  • [17] Aziz-Jalali, M. H., Tabaie, S. M., & Esmaeeli Djavid, G. (2012). Comparison of red and infrared low-level laser therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 57(2), 128–130. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.94283
  • [18] Ashmawy, S. S., Kassem, E. M., Gheida, S. F., & Ramzy, N. E. (2024). Efficacy of low-level laser versus topical erythromycin 2% in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 14(2), e2024048. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1402a48
  • [19] Peplow, P. V., Chung, T.-Y., & Baxter, G. D. (2012). Photodynamic modulation of wound healing: A review of human and animal studies. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 30(3), 118–148. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2011.3142
  • [20] Whelan, H. T., Buchmann, E. V., Dhokalia, A., Kane, M. P., Whelan, N. T., Wong-Riley, M. T. T., Eells, J. T., Gould, L. J., Hammad, R., Das, R., & Jett, M. (2003). Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on molecular changes for wound healing in diabetic mice. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery, 21(2), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1089/104454703765035484

Reflection

Now that you’ve reviewed twenty red light therapy research studies, what are your thoughts? If you were going to create your own research study about red light therapy, what would you do, and how would you do it?

Reflection

Now that you’ve reviewed thirty red light therapy research studies, what were your thoughts on photobiomodulation for athletic performance? When researching a topic, it’s essential to consider research that attempts to disprove your opinions and beliefs. Science, after all, is the search for the most likely truth.  

  • [31] This entry was deleted
  • [32] Samaranayaka, S., & Jarrett, P. (2021). Topical retinoids. DermNet NZ. Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids
  • [33] Kaidbey, K. H., & Mitchell, F. N. (1989). Photosensitizing potential of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Archives of Dermatology, 125(6), 783–786. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2730099/
  • [34] Blakely, K. M., Drucker, A. M., & Rosen, C. F. (2019). Drug-induced photosensitivity—An update: Culprit drugs, prevention, and management. Drug Safety, 42(8), 827–841. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40264-019-00806-5
  • [35] Davis, A. E., Kennelley, G. E., Amaye-Obu, T., Jowdy, P. F., Ghadersohi, S., Nasir-Moin, M., Paragh, G., Berman, H. A., & Huss, W. J. (2023). The phenomenon of phototoxicity and long-term risks of commonly prescribed and structurally diverse drugs. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 19, 100221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpap.2023.100221
  • [36] Kerstein, R., & Lister, T. (2014). Laser therapy and photosensitive medication: A review of the evidence. Lasers in Medical Science, 29(4), 1449–1455. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260485325_Laser_therapy_and_photosensitive_medication_A_review_of_the_evidence
  • [37] Barolet, D. (2018). Dual effect of photobiomodulation on melasma: Downregulation of hyperpigmentation and enhanced solar resistance—A pilot study. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 11(4), 28–34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891084/
  • [38] Trivedi, M. K., Yang, F. C., & Cho, B. K. (2017). A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 3(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004
  • [39] Simunovic, Z., Trobonjaca, T., & Trobonjaca, Z. (1998). Treatment of medial and lateral epicondylitis—Tennis and golfer’s elbow—with low-level laser therapy: A multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on 324 patients. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery, 16(3), 145–151. https://doi.org/10.1089/clm.1998.16.145
  • [40] Lam, L. K. Y., & Cheing, G. L. Y. (2007). Effects of 904-nm low-level laser therapy in the management of lateral epicondylitis: A randomized controlled trial. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 25(2), 65–71. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.2047

Red Light Therapy Research Studies Reflection

Although we are technically only up to 39, since I deleted one of the entries, which of the prior red light therapy research studies were you most fascinated by?

  • [41] Franke, T. P., Koes, B. W., Geelen, S. J., & Huisstede, B. M. (2018). Do patients with carpal tunnel syndrome benefit from low-level laser therapy? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99(8), 1650–1659.e15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.06.002
  • [42] Li, Z.-J., Wang, Y., Zhang, H.-F., Ma, X.-L., Tian, P., & Huang, Y. (2016). Effectiveness of low-level laser on carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta-analysis of previously reported randomized trials. Medicine, 95(31), e4424. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000004424
  • [43] Korada, H. Y., Arora, E., Maiya, G. A., Rao, S., Hande, M., Shetty, S., Gundmi, S., Anche, P., & Amravadi, S. (2023). Effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy on neuropathic pain, nerve conduction, and plantar pressure distribution in diabetic peripheral neuropathy—A systematic review. Current Diabetes Reviews, 19(9), e290422204244. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573399818666220429085256
  • [44] Argenta, P. A., Ballman, K. V., Geller, M. A., Carson, L. F., Ghebre, R., Mullany, S. A., Teoh, D. G. K., Winterhoff, B. J. N., Rivard, C. L., & Erickson, B. K. (2017). The effect of photobiomodulation on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Gynecologic Oncology, 144(1), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.11.013
  • [45] Hu, D., Zhu, S., & Potas, J. R. (2016). Red LED photobiomodulation reduces pain hypersensitivity and improves sensorimotor function following mild T10 hemicontusion spinal cord injury. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 13, 200. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-016-0641-1
  • [46] Sun, W., Yan, J., Wu, J., & Ma, H. (2021). Efficacy and safety of light therapy as a home treatment for motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: A meta-analysis. Medical Science Monitor, 27, e935074. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.935074
  • [47] Mitrofanis, J. (2017). Why and how does light therapy offer neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease? Neural Regeneration Research, 12(4), 574–575. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.205092
  • 48] Hamilton, C. L., El Khoury, H., Hamilton, D., Nicklason, F., & Mitrofanis, J. (2019). “Buckets”: Early observations on the use of red and infrared light helmets in Parkinson’s disease patients. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 37(10), 615–622. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4663
  • [49] Bicknell, B., Liebert, A., & Herkes, G. (2024). Parkinson’s disease and photobiomodulation: Potential for treatment. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 14(1), 112. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14010112
  • [50] Johnstone, D. M., Moro, C., Stone, J., Benabid, A.-L., & Mitrofanis, J. (2015). Turning on lights to stop neurodegeneration: The potential of near-infrared light therapy in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 9, 500. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2015.00500

Red Light Therapy Research Studies Reflection

I found the article “Turning On Lights to Stop Neurodegeneration” to be particularly fascinating. Although the research is considered to be in its infancy, it may offer some hope to Alzheimer’s patients and their families. What are some of your thoughts on the red light therapy research?

  • [51] Ohtsuki, A., Hasegawa, T., Hirasawa, Y., Tsuchihashi, H., & Ikeda, S. (2009). Photodynamic therapy using light-emitting diodes for the treatment of viral warts. Journal of Dermatology, 36(10), 525–528. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2009.00694.x
  • [52] Maranda, E. L., Lim, V. M., Nguyen, A. H., & Nouri, K. (2016). Laser and light therapy for facial warts: A systematic review. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 30(10), 1700–1707. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.13789
  • [53] Dos Santos, S. A., Sampaio, L. M., Caires, J. R., Fernandes, G. H. C., Marsico, A., Serra, A. J., Leal-Junior, E. C., & de Carvalho, P. T. C. (2019). Parameters and effects of photobiomodulation in plantar fasciitis: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 37(6), 327–335. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4588
  • [54] Ketz, A. K., Anders, J., Orina, J., Garner, B., Hull, M., Koreerat, N., Sorensen, J., Turner, C., & Johnson, J. (2024). Photobiomodulation therapy plus usual care is better than usual care alone for plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial. Clinical Decision Tools, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.90589
  • [55] Naterstad, I. F., Joensen, J., Bjordal, J. M., Couppé, C., Lopes-Martins, R. A. B., & Stausholm, M. B. (n.d.). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3619-4578
  • [56] Jindal, K., Kumar, P., & Rajnish, R. K. (2019). Photobiomodulation: A promising therapeutic modality in plantar fasciitis. Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific), 6(2), 39–40. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10040-1107
  • [57] Höfling, D. B., Chavantes, M. C., Juliano, A. G., Cerri, G. G., Romão, R., Yoshimura, E. M., & Chammas, M. C. (2010). Low-level laser therapy in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: A pilot study. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 42(6), 589–596. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20941
  • [58] Ercetin, C., Sahbaz, N. A., Acar, S., Tutal, F., & Erbil, Y. (2020). Impact of photobiomodulation on T3/T4 ratio and quality of life in Hashimoto thyroiditis. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 38(7), 409–412. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4740
  • [59] Hossein-Khannazer, N., Kazem Arki, M., Keramatinia, L., & Rezaei-Tavirani, M. (2022). Low-level laser therapy in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 13(1), e34. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2022.34
  • [60] Höfling, D. B., Chavantes, M. C., Buchpiguel, C. A., Cerri, G. G., Marui, S., Carneiro, P. C., & Chammas, M. C. (2018). Safety and efficacy of Safety and efficacy of low-level laser therapy in autoimmune thyroiditis: Long-term follow-up study. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2018, 8387530. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8387530

Reflection

We can glean a lot of information about the world when we read. Sometimes the content is beyond our comprehension, but that information is stored deep in our brains. When I research, it sets the groundwork for me to more fully understand an advanced concept when I reencounter it. Have you ever read something you didn’t initially understand, but because you were somewhat familiar with the idea, it allowed you to at least gauge what the information was about? Did reading the previous red light therapy research studies help you understand subsequent ones?

  • [61] Lee, J.-M., & Kim, K.-H. (2017). Effect of near-infrared rays on female menstrual pain in Korea. Nursing & Health Sciences, 19(3), 366–372. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12356
  • [62] Ke, Y.-M., Ou, M.-C., Ho, C.-K., Lin, Y.-S., Liu, H.-Y., & Chang, W.-A. (2012). Effects of somatothermal far-infrared ray on primary dysmenorrhea: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 240314. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/240314
  • [63] Fu, Q., Yang, J., Jiang, H., Lin, S., Qin, H., Zhao, J., Wang, Y., & Liu, M. (2024). Effect of photobiomodulation on alleviating primary dysmenorrhea caused by PGF2α. Journal of Biophotonics, 17(5), e202300448. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.202300448
  • [64] Zipper, R., Pryor, B., & Lamvu, G. (2021). Transvaginal photobiomodulation for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain: A pilot study. Women’s Health Reports, 2(1), 518–527. https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2021.0097 
  • [65] Park, K. Y., Han, T. Y., Kim, I. S., Yeo, I. K., Kim, B. J., & Kim, M. N. (2013). The effects of 830 nm light-emitting diode therapy on acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus: A pilot study. Annals of Dermatology, 25(2), 163–167. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.163
  • [66] Mukhtar, R., Fazal, M. U., Saleem, M., & Saleem, S. (2020). Role of low-level laser therapy in post-herpetic neuralgia: A pilot study. Lasers in Medical Science, 35(8), 1759–1764. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-02969-5
  • [67] Dougal, G., & Lee, S. Y. (2013). Evaluation of the efficacy of low-level light therapy using 1072 nm infrared light for the treatment of herpes simplex labialis. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 38(7), 713–718. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.12069
  • [68] Moskvin, S. V. (2021). Low-level laser therapy for herpesvirus infections: A narrative literature review. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 12, e38. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2021.38
  • [69] Zanella, P. A., Onuchic, L. F., Watanabe, E. H., Azevedo, L. H., Aranha, A. C. C., Ramalho, K. M., & de Paula Eduardo, C. (2022). Photobiomodulation for preventive therapy of recurrent herpes labialis: A 2-year in vivo randomized controlled study. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 40(10), 682–690. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2022.0054

Reflection

Suppose you were to create a red light therapy research study. What are some of the controls you would use to ensure the information you gathered was reliable?

  • [70] Hamilton, C., Liebert, A., Pang, V., Magistretti, P., & Mitrofanis, J. (2022). Lights on for autism: Exploring photobiomodulation as an effective therapeutic option. Neurology International, 14(4), 884–893. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14040071
  • [71] Pallanti, S., Di Ponzio, M., Grassi, E., Vannini, G., & Cauli, G. (2022). Transcranial photobiomodulation for the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A retrospective study. Children, 9(5), 755. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9050755
  • [72] Leisman, G., Machado, C., Machado, Y., & Chinchilla-Acosta, M. (2018). Effects of low-level laser therapy in autism spectrum disorder. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1116, 111–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/5584_2018_234
  • [73] Fradkin, Y., De Taboada, L., Naeser, M., Saltmarche, A., Snyder, W., & Steingold, E. (2024). Transcranial photobiomodulation in children aged 2–6 years: A randomized sham-controlled clinical trial assessing safety, efficacy, and impact on autism spectrum disorder symptoms and brain electrophysiology. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1221193. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1221193
  • [74] Shoukry, E., Borhan, W. H., Selim, M. M., & Hussein, H. G. (2021). Effect of low-level laser on axillary web syndrome post mastectomy. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 83(1), 1344-1349. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejhm.2021.168250
  • [75] Harirchian, M. H., Mohammadpour, Z., Fatehi, F., Firoozeh, N., & Bitarafan, S. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the trend of cytokines to vitamin A supplementation in autoimmune diseases. Clinical Nutrition, 38(5), 2038–2044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2018.10.026
  • [76] Hooper, L., Esio-Bassey, C., Brainard, J., Fynn, J., Jennings, A., Jones, N., Tailor, B. V., Abdelhamid, A., Coe, C., Esgunoglu, L., Fallon, C., Gyamfi, E., Hill, C., Howard Wilsher, S., Narayanan, N., Oladosu, T., Parkinson, E., Prentice, E., Qurashi, M., … Lietz, G. (2022). Evidence to underpin vitamin A requirements and upper limits in children aged 0 to 48 months: A scoping review. Nutrients, 14(3), 407. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030407
  • [77] Tolleson, W. H., Cherng, S.-H., Xia, Q., Boudreau, M., Yin, J. J., Wamer, W. G., Howard, P. C., Yu, H., & Fu, P. P. (2005). Photodecomposition and phototoxicity of natural retinoids. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2(1), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph2005010147
Red Light Therapy Research Studies

Red Light Research

If you would like to see all the red light research studies compiled in a digestible format, visit the links below. We offer red light therapy at Jennifer Brand Spa because I have personally experienced the benefits it has had in my life. As a skeptic, I was hesitant to believe it could do anything to address the terrible pain of my pinched nerve. Thank God I tried it, because it started me on an incredible wellness journey that has enriched my life.