Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of laser photobiomodulation ([lambda]: 808 nm) therapy on muscle performance and perceived exertion in physically active elderly women.
Methods: Seventeen physically active elderly women (72.6 +/- 4.1 years) participated in a crossover study in which they received active or placebo laser therapy on the rectus femoris muscle on 2 occasions, separated by a 7-day washout period. On each occasion, the following performance outcomes were assessed: functional capacity by short physical performance battery, knee extensor strength by maximum voluntary isometric contraction, muscle endurance by repetitions-to-failure test and blood lactate levels, and perceived exertion.
Results: No statistical (P > .05) differences were observed between active and placebo laser conditions for all muscle performance outcome (ie, short physical performance battery, maximum voluntary isometric contraction, repetitions-to-failure, and lactate) and perceived exertion.
Conclusions: Acute laser photobiomodulation therapy at 808 nm does not improve muscle performance (functional capacity, strength, and endurance) and perceived exertion in physically active elderly women.
Trial registration: NCT04241991.