Bærbar fotobiomodulering og mitokondriell bioenergetikk
This pilot observational study explored the relationship between daily use of a wearable red and near-infrared photobiomodulation device and changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics and perceived fatigue in two physiologically distinct populations: trained athletes and individuals experiencing persistent fatigue.
Participants used a wearable dual-wavelength LED photobiomodulation device for 30 days, six days per week. Each session consisted of sequential applications of the device following a standardized protocol. Mitochondrial function was assessed at baseline, midpoint (Day 15), and study completion (Day 30) using the validated meScreen™ bioenergetic assay, which evaluates cellular energy metabolism from small peripheral blood samples. Subjective fatigue was measured using validated fatigue questionnaires appropriate to each participant group.
Across the study period, directional changes were observed in several mitochondrial bioenergetic domains associated with cellular energy metabolism. Participants experiencing fatigue demonstrated patterns consistent with improved mitochondrial reserve capacity and more effective energy utilization. In athletes, changes were consistent with improved metabolic efficiency and reduced reliance on compensatory energy pathways, suggesting optimization of cellular energy handling rather than increased total energy output.
Importantly, these changes occurred without evidence of increased oxidative stress or mitochondrial network instability, supporting the interpretation that the observed adaptations reflect physiologically appropriate bioenergetic responses.
Parallel improvements in perceived fatigue were reported by participants across both cohorts, with many of the observed changes emerging within the first two weeks of the study.
While exploratory and limited by sample size, the convergence of objective mitochondrial bioenergetic measurements and subjective fatigue outcomes suggests that wearable photobiomodulation may interact with fundamental cellular energy pathways. These findings support the need for larger controlled studies to further evaluate the relationship between photobiomodulation, mitochondrial function, and fatigue-related physiology.
The full manuscript describing this research has been submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and is currently under review.
Study Snapshot
- Study type: Observational pilot study
- Duration: 30 days
- Participants: Athletes and individuals experiencing fatigue
- Primary outcomes: Mitochondrial bioenergetics and perceived fatigue
- Assessment method: meScreen™ mitochondrial bioenergetic assayStatus: Manuscript submitted for peer review