Low-level light therapy significantly boosted brain connectivity in moderate TBI patients within the first few weeks of recovery, according to a recent study.
The study published in Radiology examined the impact of low-level light therapy (LLLT) on resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in patients with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 68 participants. Participants received either LLLT or a placebo within 72 hours post-injury, and RSFC was evaluated using functional MRI during the acute, subacute, and late-subacute recovery phases.
Results indicated that participants with moderate TBI (n=38) treated with LLLT (n=17) demonstrated significantly greater changes in RSFC between the acute and subacute phases in 7 brain region pairs compared to those receiving the placebo (n=21) (range of differences in Fisher z-transformed correlation coefficients [hereafter, z differences], 0.37–0.45; false discovery rate [FDR]–adjusted P value range, .010–.047). Connectivity was also shown to increase among the LLLT-treated participants (range of z differences, 0.28–0.39; FDR-adjusted P value range, .003–.030) but decreased for those who received the placebo (range of z differences, −0.27 to −0.23; FDR-adjusted P value range, .020–.047).
The researchers noted these findings suggest that LLLT may enhance neuronal connectivity during early recovery from moderate TBI. Despite these changes in RSFC, no significant differences in clinical outcomes, as measured by the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire, were observed between the LLLT and sham treatment groups.
"Our pilot RSFC data confirm the impact of acute-phase LLLT on resting-state neuronal circuits during the first 3 months of recovery from moderate TBI," noted researchers "However, the clinical implications remain unclear, as no improvement in functional outcomes was observed."
They also called for future studies with larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and detailed correlations of imaging and clinical outcomes to better determine the therapeutic efficacy of LLLT in moderate TBI.
The authors reported no relevant conflicts of interest.
