Photomedicine Collaboration
Photomedicine to Enhance Military Readiness
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the application of non-ionizing forms of light from lasers, light-emitting diodes, broadband light, and other sources in the visible and near infrared spectrum, to modulate cellular activity. PBM treatment can enhance repair and regeneration of tissue, stimulate metabolism, and reduce inflammation and pain during recovery from injury. This research program is investigating the use of PBM to improve operational readiness and increase Warfighter function and quality of life, focusing on musculoskeletal injury, human performance, behavioral health, wellness, nerve injury, hearing loss, and wound healing.
The Photomedicine to Enhance Military Readiness Program was launched in 2018 with support from the Defense Health Agency. Its headquarters were established within the Uniformed Services University’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is managed by The Geneva Foundation. Initially comprising of seven projects, the program has since expanded to encompass 16 projects, including seven preclinical projects, eight randomized-control clinical trials, and one normative clinical study through collaborations with the Wellman Center for Photomedicine and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (Mass General Brigham & Harvard Medical School); Air Force Research Laboratory; Fort Sam Houston: Soldier in Training Clinic; Joint Base Lewis McChord: 1st Special Forces Group; Madigan Army Medical Center; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The program has successfully completed 18 pre-clinical studies and enrolled 288 participants across all clinical studies, with a total of 1,047 participants projected to enroll before completion.
In the pre-clinical studies, PBM has demonstrated effectiveness in several areas, including enhancing physical performance, treating tendon rupture, decreasing acute inflammation in knee osteoarthritis and post-nerve repair surgery, facilitating cartilage generation in knee surgeries, and potentially safeguarding from hearing loss.
In the clinical studies, PBM is being evaluated as a potential treatment for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and bone stress injuries. Additionally, the program is comparing PBM with novel treatments such as shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy and platelet rich plasma knee osteoarthritis. Technology developments from this program’s work include:
1. Development of a prototype low power, rechargeable, battery-operated, portable, antimicrobial blue light bandage providing microbial suppression/killing;
2. Introduction of a novel optical imaging modality to noninvasively measure mechanical properties of biological tissue and engineered biomaterials
3. Assessment and validation of the power output and irradiance of four commercially available PBM devices.
Even in its infancy of results, this program has already made significant contributions to the scientific community through five peer-reviewed articles, one letter to the editor, 40+ presentations at international conferences, and even featured on the cover of a peer-reviewed journal. Moreover, there are 10+ conference abstracts and a systematic review currently under peer review.
PBM represents a unique modality with promising potential to help the Warfighters improve their overall health and recover from injuries. The Photomedicine to Enhance Military Readiness Program is advancing science by investigating this novel and potentially impactful approach. Further results are eagerly anticipated from the ongoing research. This program is always looking forward to continuing meaningful collaborations!
