Objective: To assess efficacy of photobiomodulation + exercise to improve Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. The primary outcome measure was timed up-and-go (TUG) and other motor and non-motor secondary outcome measures, including MDS-UPDRS.

Background: Symptoms of PD invariably progress, despite suppression of some motor symptoms by levodopa. No known treatment can halt or slow progression. Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses specific wavelengths of non-thermal light to effect changes in cellular and sub-cellular processes. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated effectiveness of PBM to reduce signs of PD and to provide neuroprotection and neuro-regeneration. A few small clinical trials have suggested that PBM might be effective to improve motor symptoms. Vigorous and PD targeted exercise, has also demonstrated positive impact on PD symptoms.

Method: Active PBM treatment consisted of transcranial irradiation (LED helmet) and abdominal irradiation (laser). Sham devices were identical but produced no light. All participants were enrolled in a vigorous exercise program during all study stages.

Stage 1: double-blinded and randomized, active PBM (n=32) vs sham PBM (n=31), 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks no PBM.

Stage 2: all received active PBM (12 drop outs, n=51), 8 weeks

Stage 3: either continued active PBM + exercise (n=17) or exercise alone (n=26), range 18 to 52 weeks, average 34 weeks.

Participants were assessed at baseline, and after each stage.

Results: Exercise alone and exercise + PBM were equally effective in improving PD outcome measures in Stages 1 and 2. In Stage 3, there was significant improvement in the primary outcome measure, TUG, for the group that continued PBM + exercise, compared to those who continued exercise alone. In addition, anxiety, and m-DEL were significantly improved with UPDRS and TUG cognitive, trending to significance (p<0.1). Other secondary outcome measures were non-significantly improved with exercise + PBM compared to exercise alone.

Conclusion: This is the largest study to date using PBM to treat PD. PBM + exercise was no more effective than exercise alone to improve motor and non-motor symptoms of PD at 8 weeks. Longer treatment times (18 to 52 weeks) showed significantly greater improvement with PBM + exercise, compared to exercise alone.

Improved PD Symptoms with PBM + Exercise Trial

References: (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06036433)
Poster abstract accepted for the International Association of Parkinsonism and Related Disorders (IAPRD), May 2025.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/improvements-in-motor-and-non-motor-symptoms-of-parkinsons-disease-in-those-treated-with-photobiomodulation-plus-exercise-a-sham-controlled-study/