Photobiomodulation as an Adjunct to Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Chen H, Eungpinichpong W, Asawaphureekorn S, Manimmanakorn N, Yang Y, Xie Y, Wang X
Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery · 0 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Meta-analysis (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- Government
- Major Cultivation Project of Leading Talents in Philosophy and Social Sciences in Zhejiang Province
Based on 1 listed funder(s).
Publication
- Published
- 2026-07-20 · Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg · vol. 44 · issue 9 · pp. 557–568
- Publisher
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
- Cited
- 0 citations · more than 53% of similar papers · 0.0× the field average
- References
- 40 works
- Access
- Paywalled
- Research areas
- Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine · Muscle metabolism and nutrition · Dental Health and Care Utilization
- Keywords
- Adjunct, Resistance training, Meta-analysis, Randomized controlled trial, Adjunctive treatment, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Subgroup analysis
- MeSH
- humans, aged, muscle strength, randomized controlled trials as topic, resistance training, low-level light therapy
7 authors
From TH, CN
- Hongxiu ChenKhon Kaen University
- Wichai EungpinichpongKhon Kaen University
- Somkiat AsawaphureekornKhon Kaen University
- Nuttaset ManimmanakornKhon Kaen University
- Yicheng YangSichuan University
- Yuan XieHeilongjiang University of Technology
Abstract
Background
Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been proposed as an adjunct to resistance training to enhance strength adaptations; however, findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate whether adjunctive PBM improves maximal strength gains when combined with periodized resistance training in older adults.
Methods
RCTs were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PEDro, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI from inception to January 2026. Eligible studies examined PBM delivered via low-level laser therapy or light-emitting diodes in combination with resistance training or other strength-oriented loading tasks. Prespecified meta-analyses were restricted to trials combining PBM with periodized resistance training that reported one-repetition maximum (1RM) outcomes; other studies were included in a narrative synthesis.
Results
Eleven RCTs (n = 456) were included. Five trials (PBM plus resistance training: n = 74; control: n = 72) met the criteria for meta-analysis. PBM combined with resistance training did not significantly improve maximal muscle strength compared with sham PBM (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.59; p = 0.14; I2 = 4%). Subgroup analyses showed a nonsignificant trend favoring PBM for unilateral 1RM, with no effect for bilateral outcomes and no significant subgroup differences. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the unilateral effect was dependent on individual studies. In nonresistance training contexts, some studies reported potential benefits for fatigue-, recovery-, or function-related outcomes, particularly in frail or critically ill older adults, although findings were inconsistent.
Conclusion
Current evidence does not demonstrate a clear additional benefit of PBM on maximal strength when combined with resistance training in older adults, although a small effect cannot be excluded. PBM may have selective value in improving recovery-related outcomes and supporting training tolerance in vulnerable populations. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to clarify its role.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher.
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