Photobiomodulation in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (NCT07546539) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Photobiomodulation in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Pakistan40 participantsStarted 2026-06-15
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether photobiomodulation therapy (low-level laser therapy) can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The study will include adults aged 18-60 years diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does photobiomodulation therapy significantly reduce fatigue levels as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20)? Does photobiomodulation therapy improve pain, functional capacity, sleep quality, and psychological well-being in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome?
Researchers will compare the low-level laser therapy group with a placebo (sham laser) group to determine whether photobiomodulation therapy leads to greater improvements in fatigue, pain, and overall quality of life.
Participants will:
Receive either active low-level laser therapy or placebo treatment three times per week for eight weeks Undergo assessments of fatigue, pain, functional capacity, quality of life, sleep quality, and psychological well-being at baseline and follow-up intervals (3, 6, and 12 months)
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria
* Age 18-60 years
* Diagnosis of a CFS according to the 2015 Institute of Medicine criteria
* Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score ≥ 4
* Ability to understand study procedures and provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
* Comorbid psychiatric conditions (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia)
* Current use of corticosteroids or immunomodulators
* Known photosensitivity or dermatologic contraindications to LLLT
* Participation in structured exercise programs more than twice weekly
* Diagnosed malignancy or active infection -Not willing to be the part of study -
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
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.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Fatigue Improvement
Timeframe: Baseline to Week 8-12 (end of intervention)