Whole-Body Photobiomodulation for Motor and Cognitive Changes in Parkinson's Disease

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation for Motor and Cognitive Changes in Parkinson's Disease

Trial Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| NCT Number | [NCT07271927](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07271927) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Sponsor | Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital |
| Phase | Not applicable (device trial) |
| Start Date | February 2025 |
| Completion Date | December 2025 |

Intervention

• Type: Device — Photobiomodulation (PBM)
• Description: Whole-body photobiomodulation therapy applied approximately 10 weeks (three sessions per week, once daily, 20 minutes per session)

Mechanism

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation for Motor and Cognitive Changes in Parkinson's Disease

Trial Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| NCT Number | [NCT07271927](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07271927) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Sponsor | Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital |
| Phase | Not applicable (device trial) |
| Start Date | February 2025 |
| Completion Date | December 2025 |

Intervention

• Type: Device — Photobiomodulation (PBM)
• Description: Whole-body photobiomodulation therapy applied approximately 10 weeks (three sessions per week, once daily, 20 minutes per session)

Mechanism

[Photobiomodulation](/therapeutics/photobiomodulation-therapy) (also known as low-level light therapy) uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular processes. The proposed mechanisms in Parkinson's disease include:

Study Design

• Allocation: Single-arm (all participants receive active PBM treatment)
• Primary Outcome: Change in motor and cognitive function scores
• Secondary Outcomes: Safety and tolerability assessments

Eligibility

• Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
• Motor and cognitive symptoms requiring intervention

Significance

This trial represents an important non-pharmacological approach to neuroprotection in PD. Unlike drug-based therapies, photobiomodulation offers a non-invasive modality with minimal side effects. The whole-body approach may address both motor and non-motor symptoms simultaneously.

Clinical Evidence for Photobiomodulation in PD

Human Clinical Trials

Multiple small clinical trials have investigated PBM in PD[@pbm2024][@pd2024]:

Mechanism of Action

The therapeutic effects of PBM are mediated through multiple cellular mechanisms[@mitoch2023]:

Mitochondrial Enhancement

• Cytochrome c oxidase absorption: Light at 630-670 nm or 810-880 nm is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase
• ATP production: Enhanced mitochondrial electron transport chain activity
• Redox state improvement: Increased NAD+/NADH ratio

Anti-inflammatory Effects

• Microglial modulation: Shift from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype
• Cytokine reduction: Decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6
• Oxidative stress reduction: Increased antioxidant enzyme activity

Neurotrophic Factor Release

• BDNF upregulation: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes neuronal survival
• GDNF release: Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor supports dopaminergic neurons
• Synaptic plasticity: Enhanced dendritic spine density and synaptic function

Whole-Body vs. Targeted PBM

Delivery Methods

| Method | Coverage | Penetration | Use Case |
|--------|----------|-------------|----------|
| Helmet/head | Brain only | Moderate | Cognitive symptoms |
| Wearable device | Local (e.g., hand) | Shallow | Targeted symptom relief |
| Whole-body | Full body | Variable | Systemic effects |

Rationale for Whole-Body Approach

The whole-body photobiomodulation approach offers:

• Systemic effects: Addresses both central and peripheral pathology
• Non-motor symptoms: May improve sleep, mood, autonomic function
• Convenience: Treatment can be administered at home
• Safety: Excellent safety profile with no systemic side effects

Study Protocol

Treatment Parameters

• Wavelength: Near-infrared (NIR) typically 810-904 nm
• Power density: 10-100 mW/cm²
• Treatment duration: 20 minutes per session
• Frequency: 3 sessions per week for ~10 weeks
• Total energy: ~1000-5000 J per session

Outcome Measures

Primary endpoints:

• MDS-UPDRS Part III (motor) score change
• MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) for cognition

• Sleep quality (PDSS-2)
• Quality of life (PDQ-39)
• Adverse events

Safety Considerations

Photobiomodulation is generally considered safe with:

• No serious adverse events reported
• Contraindicated in patients with photosensitivity
• Caution needed in patients with active cancer
• Eye protection required during treatment

Related Pages

• [Photobiomodulation for Parkinson's Disease](/therapeutics/photobiomodulation-parkinsons-disease)
• [Photobiomodulation Therapy Overview](/therapeutics/photobiomodulation-therapy)
• [Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease](/therapeutics/neuroprotection)
• [Non-invasive Neuromodulation for PD](/technologies/brain-computer-interfaces)
• [Mitochondrial Dysfunction in PD](/mechanisms/mitochondrial-dysfunction-parkinsons)

References