A-25 Transcranial Photobiomodulation Treatment Effects In Former Athletes With Repetitive Head Hits

• Published in: Archives of clinical neuropsychology 2022-07, Vol.37 (5), p.1066-1066
• Main Authors: Liebel, S W, Johnson, P K, Lindsey, H M, Russell, H A, Hovenden, E S, Velez, C, Carr, L S, Wilde, E A, Tate, D F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1873-5843; 1873-5843
• DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac32.25

Abstract Purpose: Psychiatric symptoms, sleep disruption, reaction time, and fine motor coordination are associated with repetitive head hits. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) has been proposed as a non-invasive treatment for post-head injury symptoms. This proof-of-concept study begins to address tPBM’s potential utility in the neurorehabilitation of athletes with repetitive head hits. Methods: Study participants included 49 former male and female athletes (Mage = 45.90 years; SD = 14.45) with a history of repetitive head hits. Inclusion criteria were: aged 18–65 years and a self-reported history of concussive and/or repetitive sub-concussive events. We conducted a non-randomized study design wherein participants received active tPBM treatment for 8 weeks. At pre- and post-treatment timepoints, self-report questionnaires for depression (CES-D), posttraumatic stress (PCL-5), adjustment (MPAI-4), and sleep quality (PSQI) were obtained, as were assessments of simple reaction time, grip strength, and hand dexterity (Grooved Pegboard). Paired t-tests analyzed pre- and post-treatment effects. Results: Following tPBM treatment, study participants demonstrated statistically significant reductions in self-reported depression (t = 4.54, p