Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery, and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a low-level laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent avenue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects of a systematic application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups with focal PBMT application as compared to placebo. Further, PBMT research in healthy military tactical athletes is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. The investigators aim to study the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators. The Intent: The investigators propose to conduct a single-blinded randomized-control trial with sham control to investigate the effectiveness of providing PBMT post physical training in a SOF population. The specific aims of this study are to: 1. Analyze and describe the physiologic effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 2. Analyze and describe the behavioral effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 3. Evaluate the overall clinical utility of focal PBMT subsequent to physical training in a US Army SOF, tactical athlete population.
Age range
18 Years – 45 Years
Sex
MALE
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Concentric Impulse
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Movement Start to Peak Power.
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Initial Baseline: Time to Take-Off
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Concentric Impulse
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Movement Start to Peak Power
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 1 Follow-up: Time to Take-Off
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 1 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Concentric Impulse
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Movement Start to Peak Power
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 2 Follow-up: Time to Take-Off
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 2 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Concentric Impulse
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Movement Start to Peak Power
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Reactive Strength Index-modified (RSImod)
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Week 3 Follow-up: Time to Take-Off
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 3 prior to coach-led training.
Isometric Quadriceps Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isometric Hamstrings Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque.
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isokinetic Quadriceps Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isokinetic Hamstrings Strength Testing Initial Baseline: Peak Torque
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Isometric Quadriceps Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque
Timeframe: Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Isometric Hamstrings Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque.
Timeframe: Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Isokinetic Quadriceps Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque
Timeframe: Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Isokinetic Hamstrings Strength Testing 3-week Follow-up: Peak Torque
Timeframe: Collected at the 3-week follow-up session prior to coach-led training.
Defense and Veteran's Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) Initial Baseline
Timeframe: Self-reported at baseline
Defense and Veteran's Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) Daily Reports
Timeframe: Self-reported, daily after baseline through study completion after 3 weeks.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Initial Baseline
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Week 1 Follow-up
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 1 after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Week 2 Follow-up
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 2 after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Week 3 Follow-up
Timeframe: Collected at the end of week 3 after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Borg Modified Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Initial Baseline
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment
Borg Modified Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) 3-week Follow-up
Timeframe: Collected at the 3-week follow-up session after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Elloumi Fatigue Scale Initial Baseline
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Elloumi Fatigue Scale 3-week Follow-up
Timeframe: Collected at the 3-week follow-up session after coach-led training and laser treatment.
Quick Physical Activity Rating Scale (QPAR)
Timeframe: Collected prior to treatment starting at time of enrollment.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Duration
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Time in Bed
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Light Sleep Length
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Length
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Deep Sleep Length
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Latency
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Efficiency Percentage
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Sleep Metrics - Sleep Quality Score
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Body Temperature Changes
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Data: Readiness Trends - Daily Heart Rate
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Respiration Rate
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Blood Oxygen Saturation
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Sleep Balance
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.
Oura Ring Sleep Data: Readiness Trends - Readiness Score
Timeframe: Oura data is collected from daily wear of ring from date of randomization through study completion after 3 weeks.