The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy (2) - Flipbook - Page 18
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The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy
2.1.6 RLT and Sports Performance
One study looked at how RLT affects human muscle tissue, focusing on its impact on athletic
performance and muscle healing.
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Researchers analyzed 46 studies involving 1,045 participants,
including both trained and untrained individuals, as well as elite athletes. They looked at various
measures of muscle performance, such as resistance to fatigue, strength, muscle growth, and
indicators of muscle damage and recovery.
The studies used various light sources to deliver the treatment
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These included single lasers,
groups of tiny lasers called laser diodes, panels with many LEDs (light-emitting diodes), or even
a combination of lasers and LEDs. Some sources used visible red light, some used near-infrared,
and some used both.
Key findings from the review include:
RLT can help increase
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It can reduce
RLT applied before
muscle mass gains
inflammation and
exercise
from training.
damaging oxidative
(pre-conditioning)
stress in muscle tissue.
can enhance athletic
When used after
exercise, RLT can aid
in muscle recovery.
performance.
The researchers categorized the different RLT parameters (such as light wavelength, which
determines the color of the light, and intensity) based on whether they showed positive effects
or no effects on muscle performance and recovery
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This review suggests that RLT could be a valuable tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts,
potentially helping to improve both performance and recovery.
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However, as with any emerging
treatment, more research may be needed to fully understand its effects and determine the best
ways to use it.
