Can Photobiomodulation Improve Balance and Cognition in Individuals Over 60: a Pilot Feasibility Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial.

University of Central Lancashire

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Age >60

Treatments: Device: Photobiomodulation; Other: Sham 8-weeks photobiomodulation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07260903

PMB balance and cognition

Details and patient eligibility

About

As people age, changes in balance and memory can make daily life more difficult and increase the risk of falls. Falls are one of the main causes of injury, hospitalization and loss of independence in older adults, while even mild declines in memory and concentration can reduce confidence, social participation and overall quality of life. Therefore, safe, affordable, and practical ways to help older adults remain steady on their feet and mentally sharp are urgently needed.

The aim of this project is therefore to conduct a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial to examine whether regular home-based photobiomodulation can improve balance and cognitive function in adults aged over 60. If successful, this research could help shape future strategies for preventing falls, enhancing wellbeing and maintaining independence in older people.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60 to 80 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged from 60-80 years
• Ability to complete written questionnaires independently
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Current or past history of head injury
• Use of medications acting on the central nervous system
• Active skin conditions on the forehead or scalp
• Ongoing brain stimulation therapy
• History of migraines
• Sensitive skin, allergies

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

---

60 participants in 2 patient groups

Sham photobiomodulation

Sham Comparator group

Description:

8-weeks sham photobiomodulation. The sham device will follow the same protocol but without active light emission.

Treatment:

Other: Sham 8-weeks photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation

Experimental group

Description:

8-weeks photobiomodulation Twenty-four-minute photobiomodulation stimulation (twelve minutes at 670 nm followed by twelve minutes at 810 nm). Three times per week for 8-weeks.

Treatment:

Device: Photobiomodulation