The effect of 808 nm and 905 nm wavelength light on recovery after spinal cord injury

Scientific Reports, 2019 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44141-2 · Published: May 8, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) using 808 nm and 905 nm wavelengths on spinal cord injury recovery in rats. The functional recovery was evaluated through locomotor and sensitivity tests, revealing significant improvements in locomotor functions and diminished thermal hyperalgesia after laser treatment. Histopathological analysis further indicated positive effects of the laser therapy on white and gray matter sparing, suggesting the potential of PBM as a non-invasive therapy for SCI recovery.

Study Duration

9 weeks

Participants

26 adult male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Laser treatment significantly improved locomotor functions of rats after spinal cord injury from the first week following lesioning, compared to controls.
2
The laser treatment significantly diminished thermal hyperalgesia after SCI, as measured by the Plantar test.
3
Histopathological investigation showed a positive effect of the laser therapy on white and gray matter sparing.

Research Summary

The study evaluates the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) using a Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser with 808 nm and 905 nm wavelengths on spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery in rats. Results indicate that laser treatment improves locomotor functions, diminishes thermal hyperalgesia, reduces soleus muscle atrophy, and promotes white and gray matter sparing. The findings suggest PBM's potential as a non-invasive therapy for enhancing functional recovery and tissue sparing after SCI, possibly through macrophage polarization modulation.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Photobiomodulation may offer a non-invasive therapeutic strategy for improving functional outcomes after spinal cord injury.

Tissue Sparing

PBM could aid in preserving gray and white matter following SCI, potentially reducing long-term neurological deficits.

Pain Management

Laser treatment may alleviate thermal hyperalgesia post-SCI, enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats and may not directly translate to human outcomes.
2
The specific mechanisms of PBM's effects on macrophage polarization require further investigation.
3
The optimal intensity and frequency of light for PBM therapy need to be determined.

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