In 2025, a meta-analysis published in Sport Sciences for Health (Springer) consolidated the data from 53 randomized controlled trials examining the effect of therapeutic photobiomodulation (PBMT) on muscle recovery after exercise. With approximately 2,800 participants in total, it is the most comprehensive synthesis available to date on this subject. Here is what it adds to our understanding.
What does PBMT measure in this context?
Post-exercise muscle recovery is a multi-dimensional process. The meta-analysis focused on several markers: delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), residual muscle strength, biological markers of inflammation (CK, LDH, IL-6) and subjective fatigue. By covering all these dimensions, it offers a more complete picture than individual studies.
53 randomized controlled trials, ~2,800 participants. Varied PBMT protocols (wavelengths 630–980 nm, pre- and post-exercise application). Populations: recreational athletes, competitive athletes, sedentary subjects in reconditioning.
The main results
Pre vs post-exercise: optimal timing
One of the important contributions of this meta-analysis is its analysis of application timing. The results indicate that PBMT applied before exercise (photo-preconditioning) produces protective effects: it reduces the magnitude of exercise-induced muscle damage. PBMT applied after effort accelerates the resolution of inflammation and the restoration of strength.
The two approaches are complementary and not competing. For an athlete with frequent competitions, a combined protocol, application the day before pre-effort and within two hours post-effort, appears to produce the best results according to the available data.
Wavelengths that work
The meta-analysis confirms differential efficacy by wavelength:
- Red (630–680 nm): penetration up to 5–10 mm, action mainly on superficial tissues, effective on subcutaneous muscles and skin.
- Near-infrared (800–880 nm): penetration up to 20–30 mm, action on deep tissues, more effective for large muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, lumbar muscles).
- Combination of both: protocols using both red and near-infrared produce superior effects to single-wavelength protocols in the majority of included studies.
Our photobiomodulation devices combine red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) for optimal coverage of superficial and deep tissues. The 15 to 20-minute sessions integrate naturally into a post-effort recovery protocol or a pre-competition preparation.