In collegiate athletics, student-athletes face the dual challenge of academic excellence while maintaining peak athletic performance. Injuries in contact sports can severely disrupt this balance, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This study investigates the application of 830 nm Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of sports injuries at Lehigh University. LLLT or LED Phototherapy aims to minimize the time athletes spend out of competition by focusing on pain alleviation and accelerated healing. The research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among medical staff, athletes, and coaches in developing effective treatment protocols, aiming for faster return-to-play and enhanced recovery experiences.

This article discusses the implementation of 830 nm wavelength LED Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)/LED Phototherapy for injury treatment among student-athletes at Lehigh University. It emphasizes the need for thorough injury management, clear communication among stakeholders, and evidence-based recovery protocols. The study focuses on how LED phototherapy can aid in reducing pain and enhancing the healing process, thereby minimizing athletes' return-to-play time. A comprehensive analysis of the types of injuries treated and the methodology used in therapeutic sessions is provided, highlighting the importance of timely intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration in sports medicine.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4846838/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI_IxVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW2lTbrowqZjsPf0w960gpIoVLyVQHCESFOSAaPXTOI04eM8MKjDJOk2fw_aem_7N_GFqOB_pbf1RdxRAYGfA

doi:  10.5978/islsm.16-OR-03 

In the collegiate environment, student-athletes juggle academic demands with the rigors of competitive sports. While academic attainment is paramount, injury management remains critical as injuries can derail both academic and athletic aspirations. Injuries are common in sports, particularly in contact sports where overtraining and high wear and tear rates contribute to a higher incidence of injuries.

This study explores the application of 830 nm LED Phototherapy or Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) at Lehigh University to promote faster return-to-play (RTP) periods in injured athletes. Considering that student-athletes balance academics with sports, their injuries must be managed with specific considerations, unlike professional athletes. A multidisciplinary approach involving coaches, athletic trainers, healthcare providers, and family is essential to achieve effective outcomes with the additional goal of maximizing academic outcomes for these student-athletes.

The study utilized the HEALITE II LED-LLLT system, which delivers 60 J/cm² of near-infrared light to target pain and aid in healing processes. This system delivers 60 J/cm² of quasi-monochromatic near-infrared non-ionizing light at an 830 nm ± 7 nm wavelength in a 20-minute session (radiant intensity 50 mW/cm²). The free-standing unit is on a lockable wheeled base, with "place and stay" friction hinges on both the articulated arm and 5-panel treatment head, and can be moved between treatment rooms. The hinged panels of the treatment head allow the treatment head to wrap around a limb or joint or be splayed almost flat to treat the back in a hands-free manner. The head can be positioned approximately 3–15 cm from the target area. During the study period from January 2014 to May 2015, 395 injuries across 53 types were treated, with a median of 4.6 treatment sessions per injury. Common injuries included ankle sprains and hamstring strains, and the results showed significant improvements in pain scores (Visual Analog Scale) and return-to-play times compared to traditional recovery protocols.

The findings suggest that incorporating LED phototherapy into injury management can significantly impact recovery markers and enhance the healing process for student-athletes, enabling them to return to competitive sports more quickly.

Most student-athletes treated with 830 nm LED Phototherapy reported significant reduction in pain and inflammation, with a comfortable, mild surface warming during treatment sessions. Notably, there were no reported side effects or pain exacerbations during treatment sessions. Sports medicine staff agreed that the non-contact application of LED Phototherapy was less intense than other modalities used in clinical practice.

Study Population: 65 individuals participated, all providing informed consent. Lehigh University's Research Committee approved the study.
Injury Types:

• Hamstring Strains: 22 (19 mild, 3 moderate)
• Knee Sprains: 22 (14 mild, 1 moderate, 1 moderately severe, 6 severe)
• Ankle Sprains: 15 (11 mild, 3 moderate, 1 very severe)
• Costochondral Sprains: 4 (3 mild, 1 severe)
• Hip Pointers: 2 (1 mild, 1 severe)

• All subjects completed between 2 and 6 therapeutic sessions, with the number of sessions per injury ranging from 3 to 5.
• The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 4 months.

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Improvements

• Initial VAS scores ranged from 2 to 8 points, with 100% of patients achieving a final VAS score of zero upon completion of treatment.
• The mean RTP for treated individuals was 9.62 days, which was significantly shorter than the expected mean of 14.8 to 24.9 days (average 19.23 days), with a p-value of 0.0066, indicating statistical significance.

A satisfaction survey was administered to 112 individuals regarding their treatment:

• Very Satisfied (5): 38 individuals (33.9%)
• Satisfied (4): 50 individuals (44.6%)
• Somewhat Satisfied (3): 16 individuals (14.3%)
• Somewhat Dissatisfied (2): 4 individuals (3.6%)
• Very Dissatisfied (1): 4 individuals (3.6%)

A combined 76.5% of respondents reported satisfaction with the treatment. Dissatisfaction was primarily due to treatment duration (20 minutes) and scheduling conflicts, but not the efficacy of the treatment.

• Hamstring Strains: Initial VAS scores ranged from 4 to 5; 4 to 6 sessions were needed to achieve a score of 0.
• Knee Sprains: Initial scores ranged from 4 to 9; 5 to 6 sessions were required to reach a score of 0.
• Ankle Sprains: Initial scores ranged from 4 to 8; 2–3 sessions were required in most cases, except for one very severe sprain which needed 4 sessions.

These results underscore the effectiveness of 830 nm LED phototherapy in treating common sports injuries among student-athletes, leading to faster recovery and high levels of satisfaction with the treatment process.

The findings of this study underscore the potential of 830 nm LED Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or LED Phototherapy as a valuable intervention in the treatment of sports injuries among student-athletes. The capacity of LED phototherapy to alleviate pain and promote healing represents a significant advancement in sports medicine, enabling a more efficient return-to-play process while respecting the multifaceted nature of injury management.

By facilitating rapid treatment and incorporating evidence-based protocols, athletic trainers, coaches, and medical staff can enhance the care provided to injured athletes. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of effective communication among all parties involved in an athlete's recovery to align their motivations and expectations.

As collegiate athletic programs increasingly recognize the value of innovative therapies like LED phototherapy, this could pave the way for further research into optimizing athletic performance and ensuring the longevity of athletes. Future studies should establish larger sample sizes and implement control arms to strengthen the conclusions drawn from such investigations. Integrating LED phototherapy into routine care protocols could redefine injury management practices and significantly improve outcomes for student-athletes experiencing injuries.

The information contained on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a doctor or specialist before starting any therapy or treatment.