Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery, and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a low-level laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent avenue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects of a systematic application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups with focal PBMT application as compared to placebo. Further, PBMT research in healthy military tactical athletes is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. The investigators aim to study the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators. The Intent: The investigators propose to conduct a single-blinded randomized-control trial with sham control to investigate the effectiveness of providing PBMT post physical training in a SOF population. The specific aims of this study are to: 1. Analyze and describe the physiologic effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 2. Analyze and describe the behavioral effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 3. Evaluate the overall clinical utility of focal PBMT subsequent to physical training in a US Army SOF, tactical athlete population.
Photobiomodulation Therapy, Photomedicine, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Performance Enhancement, Quadriceps, Special Operations Readiness
Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery, and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a low-level laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent avenue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects of a systematic application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups with focal PBMT application as compared to placebo. Further, PBMT research in healthy military tactical athletes is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. The investigators aim to study the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators. The Intent: The investigators propose to conduct a single-blinded randomized-control trial with sham control to investigate the effectiveness of providing PBMT post physical training in a SOF population. The specific aims of this study are to: 1. Analyze and describe the physiologic effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 2. Analyze and describe the behavioral effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 3. Evaluate the overall clinical utility of focal PBMT subsequent to physical training in a US Army SOF, tactical athlete population.
Photomedicine Project 14: PBMT for Performance Enhancement in SOF
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, United States, 98433
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.
For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.
18 Years to 45 Years
MALE
Yes
Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR),
Bradley H Cornell, DPT, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, 1st Special Forces Group Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3)
2025-07