Photobiomodulation on NMES-Induced Muscle Fatigue and Damage

Brief Summary

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is effective for strength training and rehabilitation, but non-selective motor unit recruitment often induces rapid fatigue, discomfort, and muscle damage. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proposed to attenuate muscle fatigue and accelerate recovery, yet evidence regarding its acute prophylactic effects against NMES-induced fatigue remains limited. This randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover pilot trial evaluates the acute effects of pre-exercise PBMT on knee extensor neuromuscular fatigability, muscle damage, discomfort, and functional recovery following a standardized NMES fatigue protocol in healthy adults.