Light Therapy May Boost Muscle Gains in Older Adults

Recent research has looked at using light therapy, called photobiomodulation (PBM), alongside weight training to help older people get stronger. Scientists wanted to know if adding PBM to a planned strength‑training program would give better results than training alone. The studies reviewed were randomized controlled trials, meaning participants were randomly assigned to receive either the light treatment or a placebo. The training programs were carefully structured over weeks, but the results varied from one study to another.

When all the data were combined in a meta‑analysis, the overall picture was mixed. PBM did not produce a clear advantage for maximum strength gains compared with training alone. Some individual trials reported small improvements, while others found no difference at all. Experts suggest that the inconsistencies might come from differences in how the light was delivered—such as intensity, duration, and timing relative to exercise. It could also be due to small sample sizes or variations in the participants’ health status. Because of these uncertainties, researchers advise caution before recommending PBM as a standard supplement for older adults. More large‑scale studies are needed to determine the best way to use light therapy and whether it truly helps older people become stronger.

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