Summary:
In women with obesity, photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy significantly enhanced resting energy expenditure (+9.3%) and improved flexibility and perceived exertion compared to a sham control (SHAM) using the same exposure protocol without active light, though it was associated with increased skin temperature, especially on the back, but no adverse effects were reported.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Sixteen women with obesity (BMI: 36 ± 4 kg/m²; age: 43 ± 5 years), compared with 16 sedentary normal-weight women serving as a control group. |
| Intervention | Photobiomodulation (PBM) using red (633-660 nm) and near-infrared (850-940 nm) light applied to both front and back for 12 minutes per session. |
| Comparison | Sham stimulation (SHAM) of equal duration and positioning without active light emission. |
| Outcome | Women with obesity exhibited a significant increase in resting energy expenditure after PBM (+9.3%, from 1486 ± 327 to 1624 ± 314 kcal/day; p < 0.001), without change in respiratory exchange ratio. Both groups experienced reduced perceived exertion and improved flexibility. Skin temperature increased post-PBM, especially in the back region. |
Source: Massimo De Nardi, et al. “Photobiomodulation Acutely Augments Resting Metabolism in Women with Obesity.” Read article here.
