11 October 2024

Research Coordinator Margaret Hollander Provides a Critical Need in Light Therapy Research

Margaret Hollander is a research coordinator at The Geneva Foundation and works in the Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR) program at the Uniformed Services University. She has extensive experience in laboratory management and military research across diverse fields, including psychology, vision science, biomedicine, and sports science. Margaret excels in her role due to her proficiency in generating comprehensive literature reviews and contributing to technical reports, articles, and presentations. She is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in statistics.

We spoke to Margaret about her extensive expertise and its impact on military medicine.

Describe your role with Geneva and your impact on the program you work on.

My role involves various responsibilities to ensure the smooth research operation at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). I play a pivotal role in planning and coordinating the research study protocol, including regulatory requirements, data collection, and analysis systems. I oversee recruiting and coordinating research subjects, performing necessary technical procedures such as phlebotomy, and facilitating the day-to-day needs of our participants in Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), commonly known as light therapy, investigations.

What recent work can you share that excites you most?

Our recent work in PBMT is particularly exciting due to its potential to revolutionize performance enhancement and recovery within a military population. Prior to any human subject’s work, our lab addressed a critical gap in understanding that existed regarding commercially available PBMT devices by providing empirical validation of their spectral and power outputs. We contribute valuable insights for future research endeavors by ensuring spectral measurements closely align with manufacturer-reported wavelengths and providing comprehensive irradiance investigations. Our research also outlines guidelines for capturing variability across illuminated surfaces and at various treatment distances, providing a standardized and validated methodology for collecting accurate spectroradiometric measurements from PBMT devices. These understandings are crucial for advancing PBMT investigations and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of PBMT technology and its potential applications, inspiring new possibilities in military medicine.

What projects, initiatives, or conferences are next for you?

We just presented at MHSRS 2024, where I focused on the spectroradiometric analyses of two full-body PBMT devices! My lab’s validation work was showcased in multiple presentations at the PBM 2024 conference in London this past August.

Looking ahead, our research focus shifts toward conducting human participant randomized clinical trials to further explore the effectiveness of PBMT in military populations. This initiative involves a single-blinded randomized control trial with sham control, aiming to translate our research findings into practical applications in operational settings. Through rigorous study design and implementation, we strive to contribute valuable insights into the potential benefits of PBMT for enhancing performance, stimulating healing, and improving overall health among military personnel.

What kind of technology are you currently working with?

I am heavily involved in utilizing various forms of Photobiomodulation (PBM) technology. Current research suggests that PBMT uses specific wavelengths of light, typically from low-level lasers or LEDs, to stimulate cellular processes in tissues. When applied to the body, these light photons are absorbed by chromophores within cells, mainly by mitochondrial respiratory chain components. This absorption triggers a cascade of biological reactions, including increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and release of signaling molecules like nitric oxide. These cellular responses lead to various effects, such as improved cell metabolism, enhanced tissue repair and regeneration, reduced inflammation, and modulation of pain perception.

Specifically, our current work examines the efficacy of three categories of PBMT devices: panel-based, wearable technology, and full-body light beds. By understanding these technologies’ capabilities and nuances, we can better evaluate their validity and suitability for various applications in musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation, physical performance enhancement, and cognitive optimization.

 

The views expressed do not reflect the official policy of the US Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.