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Background <p>Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is being explored as a potential strategy to mitigate muscle damage, enhance post-exercise recovery, help in injury prevention, and enhance athletic performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT on muscle activation, fatigue, and isometric strength in overhead athletes.</p> Method <p>Twenty-four overhead athletes were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two groups. Group 1 received active LLLT combined with strength training, while Group 2 received placebo LLLT alongside identical exercises. Interventions were delivered three times per week for 3 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, the groups were crossed over and the protocol repeated. Muscle activation, fatigue, and isometric strength of the levator scapulae, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and latissimus dorsi were assessed at four time points (T1–T4) using surface electromyography and handheld dynamometry.</p> Result <p>After 3 weeks of LLLT, Group 1 demonstrated significantly greater improvements in muscle activation (measured as maximum voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]) and fatigue resistance (measured by median frequency [MDF]) across all four muscles compared to the placebo group (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed for isometric strength. Similar trends were seen following the crossover phase.</p> Conclusion <p>LLLT significantly enhances muscle activation and reduces fatigue in shoulder stabilizer muscles, without notable improvements in isometric strength. These findings suggest its potential as a complementary intervention to prevent fatigue-related injuries and improve functional performance in overhead athletes.</p>

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Effect of low-level laser therapy on muscle activation and fatigue in university-level overhead athletes: a randomized crossover trial

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月27日

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  • Sujata Pandita,
  • Saima Zaki,
  • Saurabh Sharma,
  • Md Farhan Alam,
  • Shibili Nuhmani

摘要

Background

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is being explored as a potential strategy to mitigate muscle damage, enhance post-exercise recovery, help in injury prevention, and enhance athletic performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT on muscle activation, fatigue, and isometric strength in overhead athletes.

Method

Twenty-four overhead athletes were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two groups. Group 1 received active LLLT combined with strength training, while Group 2 received placebo LLLT alongside identical exercises. Interventions were delivered three times per week for 3 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, the groups were crossed over and the protocol repeated. Muscle activation, fatigue, and isometric strength of the levator scapulae, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and latissimus dorsi were assessed at four time points (T1–T4) using surface electromyography and handheld dynamometry.

Result

After 3 weeks of LLLT, Group 1 demonstrated significantly greater improvements in muscle activation (measured as maximum voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]) and fatigue resistance (measured by median frequency [MDF]) across all four muscles compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed for isometric strength. Similar trends were seen following the crossover phase.

Conclusion

LLLT significantly enhances muscle activation and reduces fatigue in shoulder stabilizer muscles, without notable improvements in isometric strength. These findings suggest its potential as a complementary intervention to prevent fatigue-related injuries and improve functional performance in overhead athletes.