Can Red-Light Therapy Treat Brain Injuries?
The Athletic reports that researchers at the University of Utah are studying itPBM, a medical-grade red-light therapy that has shown promising signs of reducing brain inflammation and improving cognition, mood, anxiety, motor performance and neural connectivity. The report centers in part on former BYU football star and University of Utah adjunct professor Larry Carr, who says the treatment…
Researchers at the University of Utah are studying photobiomodulation therapy (itPBM), a medical-grade red-light therapy that has shown promising results in reducing brain inflammation and improving cognitive function, mood, anxiety, and motor performance. Former University of Utah adjunct professor and former BYU football star Larry Carr has personally experienced benefits from the treatment following years of brain damage from repeated head impacts.
The therapy, known as intranasal transcranial itPBM, is different from superficial red-light usage commonly found on skincare channels or wellness boutiques. A recent study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma followed 26 BYU football players throughout a season, suggesting that the treatment could potentially safeguard neurological health without reduced playing time or contact exposure.
While definitive clinical trials are still needed and some experts are skeptical, the findings have been compelling enough to justify further research and speculation. The therapy has been linked to improvements in various measures, including cognition, mood, anxiety, attention, executive function, motor performance, and brain imaging showing reduced inflammation and improved connectivity.
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