Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson’s disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study

BMC Neurology

Parastoo Jalilitabaei¹  John Mitrofanis¹  Brian Bicknell²  Hosen Kiat³  Sharon Tilley⁴  E-Liisa Laakso⁵  Gillian Heller⁶  Ann Liebert⁷ 

[1] Department of Anatomy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia;Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Cathlic University, North Sydney, Australia;Faculty of medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia;Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Kensington, Australia;Cardiac Health Institute, Sydney, Australia;Lymphoedema And Laser Therapy, Stepney, Australia;Mater Research Institute, South Brisbane, Australia;Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia;NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia;Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia;School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia;Governance and Research Department, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, Australia;

关键词: Parkinson’s disease;    Photobiomodulation;    Cognition;    Motor symptoms;    Mobility;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12883-021-02248-y

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure and few treatment options. Its incidence is increasing due to aging populations, longer disease duration and potentially as a COVID-19 sequela. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been successfully used in animal models to reduce the signs of PD and to protect dopaminergic neurons.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of PBM to mitigate clinical signs of PD in a prospective proof-of-concept study, using a combination of transcranial and remote treatment, in order to inform on best practice for a larger randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT).MethodsTwelve participants with idiopathic PD were recruited. Six were randomly chosen to begin 12 weeks of transcranial, intranasal, neck and abdominal PBM. The remaining 6 were waitlisted for 14 weeks before commencing the same treatment. After the 12-week treatment period, all participants were supplied with PBM devices to continue home treatment. Participants were assessed for mobility, fine motor skills, balance and cognition before treatment began, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment and the end of the home treatment period. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to assess treatment effectiveness at a significance level of 5%.ResultsMeasures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with PBM treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year. Many individual improvements were above the minimal clinically important difference, the threshold judged to be meaningful for participants. Individual improvements varied but many continued for up to one year with sustained home treatment. There was a demonstrable Hawthorne Effect that was below the treatment effect. No side effects of the treatment were observed.ConclusionsPBM was shown to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for a range of clinical signs and symptoms of PD. Improvements were maintained for as long as treatment continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected. Home treatment of PD by the person themselves or with the help of a carer might be an effective therapy option. The results of this study indicate that a large RCT is warranted.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, registration number: ACTRN12618000038291p, registered on 12/01/2018.

【 授权许可】

CC BY