Key Takeaway
Review of transcranial photobiomodulation showing potential for cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals and therapeutic benefits in various brain conditions.
Summary
This comprehensive review examines the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) for brain health and cognitive enhancement.
The authors review evidence from both preclinical studies and human trials, finding potential benefits for cognition in healthy individuals as well as therapeutic applications in conditions like traumatic brain injury, stroke, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases.
While acknowledging that the field is still maturing, the review provides a thorough overview of mechanisms, parameters, and clinical evidence for brain PBM.
Methods
- Narrative review of tPBM literature
- Coverage of mechanisms and parameters
- Review of clinical applications
- Analysis of safety data
Key Results
- NIR light (810-850nm) penetrates skull most effectively
- Evidence for improved reaction time and attention in healthy adults
- Promising results in TBI, stroke, depression
- Good safety profile in studies to date
Limitations
- Heterogeneous protocols across studies
- Many small sample sizes
- Optimal parameters not established
- Need for larger, well-designed RCTs