Redlight Guide

Evidence library

Red light therapy evidence by condition, outcome, and protocol

Category articles summarize how many studies are in the cited evidence base, what they found, where dosage/timing is consistent, and how close the protocols are to consumer panel use.

Evidence categories

Bell's palsy / facial palsy

Laser therapy for Bell's palsy

Meta-analysis evidence on laser therapy and photobiomodulation for Bell's palsy/facial palsy.

The cited meta-analysis included 12 randomized studies with 597 patients; nine entered quantitative analysis.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Evidence on LLLT and photodynamic therapy for symptomatic oral lichen planus.

The cited review/meta-analysis evaluated photodynamic and low-level laser therapy studies for oral lichen planus.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Dental evidence on LLLT for pain after orthodontic force, separators, and archwires.

Cited reviews include 20 RCTs and a diode-laser review of 14 RCTs with 659 participants.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Dental evidence for adjunctive LLLT in non-surgical periodontal treatment and periodontal surgery recovery.

Cited reviews include seven RCTs for non-surgical treatment and 13 RCTs for periodontal surgery adjuncts.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Dental meta-analysis evidence on low-level light and laser therapy for tooth sensitivity.

Cited reviews include 35 articles with 20 RCTs in quantitative analysis and another 34-study laser review.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Evidence on combined low-level light therapy and intense pulsed light for meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye outcomes.

The cited systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 12 studies of combined LLLT plus IPL.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Evidence for PBM/LLLT in breast cancer-related lymphedema, including swelling, pain, and quality-of-life outcomes.

Cited reviews include nine studies and a later regimen-focused meta-analysis.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Evidence for specialized ophthalmic photobiomodulation devices in non-exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Cited reviews include two RCTs in a Cochrane review and a later three-RCT meta-analysis with 247 eyes.

Evidence: low Direction: unclear Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Oral mucositis / cancer supportive care

Photobiomodulation for oral mucositis

Guideline-backed clinical evidence for PBM in prevention of oral mucositis during selected cancer treatment settings.

The cited MASCC/ISOO systematic review underpins clinical practice guidelines across cancer-treatment settings.

Evidence: high Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Evidence for red light therapy in acne vulgaris, including a meta-analysis and a small split-face RCT.

Cited evidence includes a 13-RCT red-light meta-analysis, a six-study at-home LED meta-analysis, and three representative RCTs.

Evidence: moderate Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on low-level laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Cited reviews include six RCTs with 418 patients and eight RCTs with 473 patients / 631 wrists.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence on low-level laser therapy and phototherapy for fibromyalgia symptoms.

The cited meta-analysis included nine RCTs with 325 fibromyalgia patients.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence for low-level light and laser therapy in pattern hair loss, with a focus on what is and is not relevant to general red light panels.

Key meta-analyses cite 7-8 studies and 7-11 double-blind RCT comparisons, plus representative sham-controlled scalp-device RCTs from 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2017.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Evidence on photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain and disability.

Two cited meta-analyses include 22 placebo-controlled trials with 1,063 participants and 10 placebo-controlled trials with 542 participants.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Meta-analysis evidence on photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy for non-specific low back pain.

Cited reviews include 15 RCTs with 1,039 participants and a later review of 12 RCTs with 1,046 participants.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence on photobiomodulation for performance, fatigue, and recovery-related exercise outcomes.

Cited evidence includes broad exercise meta-analyses, DOMS/recovery reviews, a running-performance meta-analysis, and a whole-body PBM systematic review.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence for low-level laser therapy and photobiomodulation in acute, chronic, and myofascial neck pain.

The cited reviews include 16 RCTs with 820 patients and 13 RCTs with 556 myofascial neck pain patients.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Neuropathy / diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Red light therapy for neuropathy

Early evidence on photobiomodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms and nerve-related outcomes.

The cited systematic review included eight randomized and non-randomized studies.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Meta-analysis evidence for low-level laser therapy in plantar fasciitis and lower extremity tendinopathy.

Cited reviews include a lower-extremity tendinopathy/plantar fasciitis meta-analysis and a 19-trial network meta-analysis with 1,676 plantar fasciitis patients.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence on low-level laser therapy for pressure ulcers in randomized clinical studies.

The cited systematic review included only four randomized studies.

Evidence: very-low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Evidence from Cochrane and newer meta-analyses on low-level laser therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Cited reviews include five placebo-controlled trials with 222 patients and a newer 18-RCT review with 793 participants.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence for low-level laser therapy in shoulder tendinopathy, with emphasis on dose adequacy and clinical targeting.

The cited meta-analysis included 17 randomized controlled trials.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Peer-reviewed evidence on red and near-infrared light for facial wrinkles, skin elasticity, and collagen-related skin aging outcomes.

Cited evidence includes six human skin-aging sources: large-area controlled trials, split-face RCTs, home-use pilot data, and a 2025 sham-controlled home mask trial.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Evidence on red light and near-infrared phototherapy for sleep quality, bedtime exposure, sleep inertia, and athlete recovery.

Starter library cites four human studies plus one whole-body PBM systematic review; evidence is small and mixed.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence for photobiomodulation in acute soft-tissue injury recovery, including ankle sprain and contusion studies.

Cited evidence includes a six-study ankle sprain meta-analysis with 598 participants and one 46-person contusion RCT.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Evidence on low-level light, LED, and laser therapy for early surgical scar minimization.

Cited evidence includes an 18-RCT network meta-analysis plus two LED scar trials, including one home-based 830 nm sham-controlled study.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

Red light therapy for tennis elbow

Evidence for low-level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy, including wavelength and targeting considerations.

The cited review identified 18 placebo-controlled RCTs; 13 trials with 730 patients entered meta-analysis.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Temporomandibular disorder / jaw pain

Red light therapy for TMJ and jaw pain

Evidence on low-level laser therapy for temporomandibular disorders and jaw pain, including wavelength comparisons.

The cited reviews include 31 RCTs and a 27-RCT network meta-analysis with 969 TMD patients.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Clinical evidence for photobiomodulation in diabetic foot ulcer healing, with safety and protocol caveats.

Cited reviews include seven RCTs, seven parameter-extraction RCTs, and a broader clinical review with 13 trials plus two case studies.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Peer-reviewed evidence and consensus points for home red light therapy safety, dosing, biphasic response, eye/skin caveats, and protocol quality.

Cited safety/protocol evidence includes clinical consensus, an 11-study home-use device review, dose-response review, skin safety trials, oncologic safety review, and cancer supportive-care safety review.

Evidence: moderate Direction: mixed Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Emerging human evidence for transcranial photobiomodulation in cognition and mood, with clear separation from consumer panel claims.

The cited cognition review identified 35 human studies; a healthy-adult meta-analysis included nine publications.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Source papers

Acne vulgaris

Portable red light phototherapy for acne split-face RCT

randomized-controlled-trial 28 participants Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: 15 min / Twice daily / 8 weeks Area: One side of the face Device: Portable red light-emitting device Source

Na JI, Suh DH. Dermatologic Surgery. 2007.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Acne vulgaris

Red light therapy for moderate-to-severe acne systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 13 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Acne-affected skin Device: Red light therapy devices; some acne literature overlaps with photodynamic therapy Source

Wu Y, Deng Y, Huang P, et al. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Age-related macular degeneration

PBM for non-exudative age-related macular degeneration Cochrane review

systematic-review 2 included studies Evidence: low; direction: unclear Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Ophthalmology-device specific / Ophthalmology-device specific Area: Eyes/retina Device: Specialized ophthalmic PBM systems Source

Henein C, Steel DH. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021.

Evidence: low Direction: unclear Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Age-related macular degeneration

PBM for age-related macular degeneration meta-analysis of RCTs

meta-analysis 3 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Ophthalmology-device specific / Ophthalmology-device specific Area: Eyes/retina via ophthalmic PBM systems Device: Specialized ophthalmic photobiomodulation devices Source

Rassi TNO, Barbosa LM, Pereira S, et al. International Journal of Retina and Vitreous. 2024.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Hair growth / androgenetic alopecia

Low-level laser therapy for androgenetic alopecia systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 8 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 650 nm Dose/timing: Varied; lower-frequency treatment subgroup performed better than high-frequency treatment subgroup / Short and long courses were both represented Area: Scalp Device: Low-level laser comb and helmet devices Source

Liu KH, Liu D, Chen YT, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2019.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Soft-tissue injury / ankle sprain

Photobiomodulation therapy for acute ankle sprain systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 6 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across ankle sprain studies / Varied across ankle sprain studies Area: Acute ankle sprain region Device: PBM devices for musculoskeletal injury Source

Alayat MSM, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2024.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Acne vulgaris

At-home LED devices for acne vulgaris systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 6 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: 630, 670, 414, 445 nm Dose/timing: Varied across at-home LED studies / 2 days to 12 weeks across included studies Area: Acne-affected facial skin Device: At-home or portable red and/or blue LED acne devices Source

Ershadi A, Barbieri JS. JAMA Dermatology. 2025.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Bell's palsy / facial palsy

Laser therapy for Bell's palsy systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 12 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Clinical facial palsy protocol-specific / Varied by trial Area: Facial nerve/muscle targets Device: Laser therapy / photobiomodulation Source

Lin HW, Chen HC, Lin LF, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2024.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Breast cancer-related lymphedema

LLLT for breast cancer-related lymphedema systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 9 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Clinical lymphedema protocol-specific / Varied by study Area: Upper limb/axillary lymphedema targets Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Smoot B, Chiavola-Larson L, Lee J, et al. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 2015.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Breast cancer-related lymphedema

PBM regimens for breast cancer-related lymphedema meta-analysis

meta-analysis Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: 2 J/cm2 / Three times per week in the favored subgroup / More than 15 sessions favored some outcomes Area: Axilla or lymphedema-related upper limb targets Device: Low-level laser / photobiomodulation Source

Chiu ST, Lai UH, Huang YC, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2023.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Carpal tunnel syndrome

LLLT for carpal tunnel syndrome systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 8 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Wrist/carpal tunnel region Device: Low-level laser therapy with or without splinting Source

Bekhet AH, Ragab B, Abushouk AI, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2017.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Carpal tunnel syndrome

LLLT for carpal tunnel syndrome network meta-analysis

meta-analysis 6 included studies Evidence: low; direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Wrist/carpal tunnel region Device: LLLT used with splinting Source

Cheung WKW, Wu IXY, Sit RWS, et al. Physiotherapy. 2020.

Evidence: low Direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Dentin hypersensitivity

Laser therapy for dentin hypersensitivity systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 34 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Dental protocol-specific / Many studies followed patients for up to 6 months Area: Sensitive teeth/dentin surfaces Device: Dental laser therapy Source

Pion LA, Matos LLM, Gimenez T, et al. Dental and Medical Problems. 2023.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Dentin hypersensitivity

LLLT for dentin hypersensitivity systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 35 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Dental protocol-specific / Immediate, interim, and persistent follow-up windows Area: Sensitive teeth/dentin surfaces Device: Dental low-level light therapy Source

Shan Z, Ji J, McGrath C, et al. Clinical Oral Investigations. 2021.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Dermatology / skin health

Light-emitting diodes in dermatology systematic review of RCTs

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across dermatology trials / Varied across dermatology trials Area: Skin Device: LED dermatology devices Source

Jagdeo J, Austin E, Mamalis A, Wong C, Ho D, Siegel DM. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2018.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Wound healing / diabetic foot ulcers

Low-level light therapy for diabetic foot ulcers meta-analysis

meta-analysis 7 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by clinical trial / Varied by wound course Area: Diabetic foot ulcers Device: Clinical low-level light therapy Source

Li S, Wang C, Wang B, et al. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2018.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Wound healing / diabetic foot ulcers

Photobiomodulation parameters for diabetic foot ulcers systematic review

meta-analysis 7 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 600, 800 nm Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Diabetic foot ulcers Device: Photobiomodulation devices Source

Dos Santos Mendes-Costa L, de Lima VG, Barbosa MPR, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2021.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Wound healing / diabetic foot ulcers

Photobiomodulation for diabetic foot ulcers and skin color review

systematic-review 13 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Diabetic foot ulcers Device: Clinical PBM devices Source

Dhlamini T, Houreld NN. Journal of Diabetes Research. 2022.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Neuropathy / diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Photobiomodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy systematic review

systematic-review 8 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by study / Varied by study Area: Feet or lower limb targets in diabetic peripheral neuropathy Device: Photobiomodulation therapy devices Source

Korada HY, Arora E, Maiya GA, et al. Current Diabetes Reviews. 2023.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Exercise recovery / DOMS

Photobiomodulation therapy for delayed-onset muscle soreness systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 14 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: 660, 950 nm Dose/timing: Varied across DOMS studies / Follow-up commonly 24 to 96 hours after exercise Area: Affected muscles Device: Targeted PBM devices Source

Tsou Y, Chang WD, Chang NJ. Healthcare. 2025.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Exercise recovery / DOMS

Physical therapy modalities for delayed-onset muscle soreness network meta-analysis

meta-analysis 15 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across included modalities and PBM trials / Pain outcomes commonly assessed 24 to 96 hours after DOMS induction Area: Affected muscles Device: PBM and other physical therapy modalities Source

Chen, et al. 2025.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Dry eye / meibomian gland dysfunction

LLLT plus IPL for meibomian gland dysfunction systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 12 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Ophthalmology/optometry device-specific / Outcomes assessed at <= 3 months and in sensitivity analysis at >= 6 months Area: Periocular/meibomian gland treatment area Device: Low-level light therapy combined with intense pulsed light Source

Chan KE, Lau BSR, Lim BXH, et al. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye. 2025.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Exercise recovery / oxidative stress

Photobiomodulation and exercise-induced oxidative stress systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across included exercise studies / Varied across included exercise studies Area: Exercised muscles Device: PBM exercise-recovery devices Source

De Marchi T, Ferlito JV, Ferlito MV, Salvador M, Leal-Junior ECP. Antioxidants. 2022.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Exercise performance / dosing

Clinical and scientific recommendations for PBM in exercise performance and recovery

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Depends on exercise context and device / Depends on exercise context and device Area: Target muscles involved in the exercise task Device: Low-level laser and LED PBM devices Source

Leal-Junior ECP, Lopes-Martins RÁB, Bjordal JM. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy. 2019.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Exercise performance / muscle recovery

Photobiomodulation for muscle performance and fatigue meta-analysis

meta-analysis 39 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Usually acute pre-exercise or peri-exercise dosing in included trials / Varied by exercise protocol Area: Target muscles Device: Low-level laser, LED, or combined laser/LED devices Source

Vanin AA, Verhagen E, Barboza SD, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Exercise performance / muscle recovery

Phototherapy for exercise performance and recovery markers systematic review

meta-analysis 16 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across exercise studies / Varied across exercise studies Area: Target muscles Device: Red/NIR low-level laser or LED phototherapy devices Source

Leal-Junior ECP, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2015.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Hair growth / androgenetic alopecia

650 nm laser cap for female androgenetic alopecia multicenter RCT

randomized-controlled-trial Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 650 nm Dose/timing: Every other day / 17 weeks Area: Scalp Device: Laser diode cap Source

Friedman S, Schnoor P. Dermatologic Surgery. 2017.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Fibromyalgia

LLLT for fibromyalgia systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 9 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Tender points or musculoskeletal targets Device: LLLT; one RCT used combined LLLT/LED phototherapy Source

Yeh SW, Hong CH, Shih MC, et al. Pain Physician. 2019.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Hair growth / androgenetic alopecia

Home-use LLLT devices for pattern hair loss systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 7 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 650 nm Dose/timing: Varied by device and trial / Typically multiple months Area: Scalp Device: Home-use laser combs, caps, and helmet devices Source

Lueangarun S, Visutjindaporn P, Parcharoen Y, et al. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2021.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Hair growth / androgenetic alopecia

Low-level laser device multicenter sham-controlled trial for male and female pattern hair loss

randomized-controlled-trial Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Not fully reported Area: Scalp Device: Low-level laser hair-growth device Source

Jimenez JJ, Wikramanayake TC, Bergfeld W, et al. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2014.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Hair growth / androgenetic alopecia

Visible red laser and LED scalp device trial in men with androgenetic alopecia

randomized-controlled-trial Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 655 nm Dose/timing: Not fully reported Area: Scalp Device: Visible red laser and LED scalp device Source

Lanzafame RJ, Blanche RR, Bodian AB, et al. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2013.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Hair growth / androgenetic alopecia

HairMax LaserComb randomized sham-controlled trial in male androgenetic alopecia

randomized-controlled-trial 110 participants Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 655 nm Dose/timing: 26 weeks Area: Scalp Device: Handheld laser comb that parts hair to deliver light to scalp Source

Leavitt M, Charles G, Heyman E, Michaels D. Clinical Drug Investigation. 2009.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Acne vulgaris

Home-use blue and red LED phototherapy for mild-to-moderate acne RCT

randomized-controlled-trial 35 participants Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: 420, 660 nm Dose/timing: 2.5 min / Twice daily / 4 weeks, with follow-up to 12 weeks Area: Acne-affected facial skin Device: Home-use blue and red LED acne device Source

Kwon HH, Lee JB, Yoon JY, et al. British Journal of Dermatology. 2013.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Skin aging / wrinkles

Home-used 630 and 850 nm LED/IRED mask for crow's feet sham-controlled trial

randomized-controlled-trial Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: 630, 850 nm Dose/timing: Not fully reported Area: Periocular crow's-feet area Device: Home-used LED and infrared LED facial mask Source

Park SH, Park SO, Jung JA. Medicine. 2025.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Home devices / dermatology

Dermatologist review of available laser and intense light home devices

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: indirect; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Device-specific / Device-specific Area: Skin and cosmetic indications Device: Home-use laser, LED, IPL, infrared, and related light devices Source

Juhász ML, Levin MK, Marmur ES. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2017.

Evidence: indirect Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Skin aging / wrinkles

Home-use 637 and 854 nm LED facial rejuvenation split-face pilot study

controlled-trial 24 participants Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: 637, 854 nm Dose/timing: Twice weekly / 8 weeks Area: One side of the face Device: Home-use LED facial device Source

Ng JNC, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Yan C. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Home-use PBM safety / protocol

Therapeutic efficacy of home-use photobiomodulation devices systematic review

systematic-review 11 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Often at least three times per week in reviewed home-use studies / Varied across reviewed conditions Area: Condition-specific Device: Home-use PBM devices, often NIR pulsed LED devices Source

Gavish L, Houreld NN. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery. 2019.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Knee osteoarthritis / joint pain

Low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain meta-analysis

meta-analysis 22 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Knee joint points Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Stausholm MB, Naterstad IF, Joensen J, et al. BMJ Open. 2019.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Knee osteoarthritis / joint pain

Photobiomodulation for knee osteoarthritis pain and disability meta-analysis

meta-analysis 10 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Knee Device: Photobiomodulation devices, mostly clinical devices Source

Oliveira S, Andrade R, Valente C, et al. Physical Therapy. 2024.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Safety / skin exposure

Safety of LED red light on human skin phase I randomized trials

randomized-controlled-trial 115 participants Evidence: moderate; direction: mixed Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: 160 J/cm2 / Three times weekly / 3 weeks Area: Forearm skin Device: LED red light exposure Source

Jagdeo J, et al. Journal of Biophotonics. 2020.

Evidence: moderate Direction: mixed Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Low back pain

LLLT for chronic non-specific low back pain meta-analysis

meta-analysis 15 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Short-term treatment courses; varied by trial Area: Low back points Device: Low-level laser therapy, including some laser acupuncture approaches Source

Glazov G, Yelland M, Emery J, et al. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2016.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Low back pain

PBM does not decrease non-specific low back pain systematic review

meta-analysis 12 included studies Evidence: low; direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Low back Device: PBM including laser and LED devices Source

Tomazoni SS, Almeida MO, Bjordal JM, et al. Journal of Physiotherapy. 2020.

Evidence: low Direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Plantar fasciitis / lower extremity tendinopathy

LLLT for lower extremity tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis meta-analysis

meta-analysis Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Short- and medium-term follow-up; no long-term data Area: Lower extremity tendon or plantar fascia region Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Naterstad IF, Joensen J, Bjordal JM, et al. BMJ Open. 2022.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Exercise performance / muscle recovery

Photobiomodulation versus cryotherapy for muscle recovery meta-analysis

meta-analysis 4 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Post-exercise PBM in included comparisons / Varied by study Area: Exercised muscles Device: PBM muscle-recovery devices Source

Ferlito JV, Ferlito MV, Leal-Junior ECP, Tomazoni SS, De Marchi T. Lasers in Medical Science. 2022.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Neck pain

LLLT for myofascial neck pain systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 13 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Myofascial neck pain sites Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Tehrani MR, Nazary-Moghadam S, Zeinalzadeh A, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2022.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Neck pain

Low-level laser therapy for neck pain systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 16 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Neck pain sites Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, et al. The Lancet. 2009.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Oral lichen planus

Photodynamic and LLLT for oral lichen planus meta-analysis

meta-analysis Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Oral medicine protocol-specific / Varied by trial Area: Oral mucosal lesions Device: Low-level laser therapy and photodynamic therapy Source

Hoseinpour Jajarm H, Asadi R, Bardideh E, et al. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy. 2018.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Oral mucositis / cancer supportive care

Photobiomodulation for oral mucositis systematic review and clinical practice guidelines

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: high; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Specific protocols depend on cancer treatment modality / Specific protocols depend on cancer treatment modality Area: Oral cavity Device: Clinical laser or light therapy for oral mucosa Source

Zadik Y, Arany PR, Fregnani ER, et al. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2019.

Evidence: high Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Orthodontic pain

Diode LLLT for orthodontic pain systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 14 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Dental procedure-specific / Short-term orthodontic pain windows Area: Orthodontic dental targets Device: Diode low-level laser therapy Source

Ren C, McGrath C, Yang Y. Lasers in Medical Science. 2015.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Orthodontic pain

LLLT for orthodontic pain systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 20 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Dental procedure-specific / Outcomes commonly assessed at 24 and 72 hours Area: Orthodontic dental targets Device: Dental low-level laser therapy Source

Deana NF, Zaror C, Sandoval P, et al. Pain Research and Management. 2017.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Safety / dosing principles

Biphasic dose response in low-level light therapy review

other Study count not extracted Evidence: indirect; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Parameter-dependent / Parameter-dependent Area: Parameter-dependent Device: PBM devices Source

Huang YY, Sharma SK, Carroll J, Hamblin MR. Dose-Response. 2011.

Evidence: indirect Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Safety / cancer supportive care

Tumor safety and side effects of PBM for cancer-treatment toxicities systematic review

systematic-review 27 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Oncology supportive-care protocol-specific / Oncology supportive-care protocol-specific Area: Treatment-toxicity-specific tissues Device: Clinical PBM devices Source

de Pauli Paglioni M, et al. Oral Oncology. 2019.

Evidence: moderate Direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Safety / dosing consensus

Evidence-based consensus on clinical photobiomodulation application

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Condition- and protocol-specific / Condition- and protocol-specific Area: Condition-specific Device: Clinical PBM devices Source

Maghfour J, et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2025.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Skin aging / wrinkles

Red and amber photobiomodulation for periocular wrinkles RCT

randomized-controlled-trial 137 participants Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: 590, 660 nm Dose/timing: 3.8 J/cm2 / 10 sessions over 4 weeks / 4 weeks Area: Periocular face area Device: LED photobiomodulation Source

Mota LR, Duarte IDS, Galache TR, et al. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery. 2023.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Periodontal surgery

LLLT adjunct to periodontal surgery pain and wound healing meta-analysis

meta-analysis 13 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: 5 J/cm2 / Post-surgical dental protocol-specific / Early healing phase Area: Periodontal surgical sites Device: Dental low-level laser therapy Source

Zhao H, Hu J, Zhao L. Lasers in Medical Science. 2021.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Periodontal treatment

LLLT adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment meta-analysis

meta-analysis 7 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Dental-procedure specific / Short-term follow-up at 1-2 months; intermediate follow-up at 3-6 months Area: Periodontal pockets/tissues Device: Dental low-level laser therapy Source

Ren C, McGrath C, Jin L, et al. Journal of Periodontal Research. 2017.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Plantar fasciitis / heel pain

Plantar fasciitis physical modalities network meta-analysis including LLLT

meta-analysis 19 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Short-term and medium-term comparisons Area: Plantar fascia / heel Device: Low-level laser therapy among other physical modalities Source

Li X, Zhang L, Gu S, et al. Medicine. 2018.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Surgical scar prevention

LED red light dose-ranging study for post-surgical scarring

controlled-trial Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: 160 J/cm2 / Three times weekly / 3 weeks, starting 1 week after surgery Area: Post-surgical scars Device: LED red light scar device Source

Kurtti A, et al. Journal of Biophotonics. 2021.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Pressure ulcers

LLLT for pressure ulcers systematic review

meta-analysis 4 included studies Evidence: very-low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 658, 808, 904, 940 nm Dose/timing: Clinical wound protocol-specific / One positive study assessed 1 month of therapy Area: Pressure ulcers Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Machado RS, Viana S, Sbruzzi G. Lasers in Medical Science. 2017.

Evidence: very-low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Acne vulgaris

Red light versus blue light randomized trial for mild-to-moderate acne

randomized-controlled-trial Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Not fully reported Area: Acne-affected skin Device: Red and blue light acne phototherapy devices Source

Li J, Li J, Zhang L, et al. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2022.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Sleep quality / athletic recovery

Red light and sleep quality in elite female basketball players

controlled-trial Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Daily during a 14-day intervention / 14 days Area: Whole body Device: Red-light irradiation setup Source

Zhao J, Tian Y, Nie J, Xu J, Liu D. Journal of Athletic Training. 2012.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Sleep quality / circadian light

Red light before bedtime effects on sleep and mood randomized PSG study

randomized-controlled-trial 114 participants Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: 625 nm Dose/timing: 60 min / Single bedtime exposure in study protocol Area: Visual light exposure Device: Red light room/panel exposure Source

Pan R, Zhang G, Deng F, Lin W, Pan J. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2023.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Rheumatoid arthritis

LLLT for rheumatoid arthritis Cochrane review

systematic-review 5 included studies Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Short-term trials Area: Joints or other trial-specific application sites Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Brosseau L, Robinson V, Wells G, et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Rheumatoid arthritis

LLLT for rheumatoid arthritis systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 18 included studies Evidence: low; direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Affected joints or acupuncture/reflexology targets depending on trial Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Lourinho I, Sousa T, Jardim R, et al. PLOS One. 2023.

Evidence: low Direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Exercise performance / running

Photobiomodulation therapy and running performance meta-analysis

meta-analysis Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across running trials / Varied across running trials Area: Running muscles Device: PBM devices used in running performance trials Source

Nascimento APD, Silva AVD, Casonatto J, Aguiar AF. International Journal of Exercise Science. 2024.

Evidence: low Direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Shoulder tendinopathy

LLLT for shoulder tendinopathy systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 17 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Shoulder tendon region Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Haslerud S, Magnussen LH, Joensen J, et al. Physiotherapy Research International. 2015.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Dermatology / skin health

LED skin therapy systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across included skin therapy studies / Varied across included skin therapy studies Area: Skin Device: LED skin therapy devices Source

Ngoc LTN, Moon JY, Lee YC. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2023.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Safety / skin rejuvenation

Oncologic safety of PBM for aesthetic skin rejuvenation systematic review

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: moderate; direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Established skin-rejuvenation parameters in reviewed literature / Established skin-rejuvenation parameters in reviewed literature Area: Skin Device: Aesthetic PBM skin-rejuvenation devices Source

Glass GE. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023.

Evidence: moderate Direction: no-clear-effect Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Skin aging / wrinkles

LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation split-face RCT

randomized-controlled-trial 76 participants Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: 633, 830 nm Dose/timing: Twice weekly / 4 weeks, with 3-month follow-up Area: One side of the face Device: Quasimonochromatic LED phototherapy Source

Lee SY, Park KH, Choi JW, et al. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B. 2007.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Skin aging / wrinkles

Red and near-infrared light for skin complexion and collagen density controlled trial

controlled-trial 136 participants Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: 611, 650, 570, 850 nm Dose/timing: 9 J/cm2 / Twice weekly / 30 sessions Area: Large-area skin exposure Device: Large-area red and near-infrared light sources Source

Wunsch A, Matuschka K. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2014.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Sleep inertia / alertness

Red light for sleep inertia crossover trial

controlled-trial 30 participants Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 628, 631 nm Dose/timing: Not fully reported Area: Eyes/visual system through mask or goggles Device: Red light mask and goggles Source

Figueiro MG, Sahin L, Roohan C, Kalsher M, Plitnick B, Rea MS. Nature and Science of Sleep. 2019.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Sleep quality / daytime function

Near-infrared phototherapy device for sleep and daytime function sham-controlled trial

randomized-controlled-trial 30 participants Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: 660, 740, 810, 870 nm Dose/timing: 25 min / Every other night before bed / 3 weeks Area: Neck Device: Wearable red/NIR phototherapy collar Source

Kennedy KER, Wills CCA, Holt C, Grandner MA. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2023.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Surgical scar prevention

Laser and energy-based therapies for surgical scar minimization network meta-analysis

meta-analysis 18 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across included RCTs / Started within 6 months after surgery in included studies Area: Surgical scars Device: Low-level laser and other energy-based scar devices Source

Yenyuwadee S, et al. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2024.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

LLLT for lateral elbow tendinopathy systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 18 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: 632, 904 nm Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Follow-up commonly 3-8 weeks after treatment Area: Lateral elbow tendon insertions Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Joensen J, et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2008.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Soft-tissue injury / contusion recovery

Pulsed red and blue light patch for acute thigh contusion RCT

randomized-controlled-trial 46 participants Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: 30 min / Immediately after contusion and daily during follow-up Area: Thigh contusion region Device: Pulsed red and blue light patch Source

Wells, et al. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2024.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Surgical scar prevention

Home-based 830 nm LED phototherapy for thyroidectomy scars RCT

randomized-controlled-trial 43 participants Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: 830 nm Dose/timing: Home-based course after surgery / 4 weeks, starting 1 week post-operation Area: Thyroidectomy surgical scar Device: Home-based 830 nm LED phototherapy device Source

Kim, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2022.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: panel-replicable

Temporomandibular disorder / jaw pain

Low-level laser therapy for temporomandibular disorders systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 31 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Temporomandibular joint and related pain points Device: Low-level laser therapy Source

Xu GZ, Jia J, Jin L, et al. Pain Research and Management. 2018.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Temporomandibular disorder / jaw pain

LLLT wavelengths for temporomandibular disorder pain network meta-analysis

meta-analysis 27 included studies Evidence: moderate; direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable Wavelengths: 633, 672, 780, 904, 910, 1100 nm Dose/timing: Varied by trial / Varied by trial Area: Temporomandibular disorder pain sites Device: Low-level laser therapy and TENS comparators Source

Ren H, Liu J, Liu Y, et al. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2022.

Evidence: moderate Direction: positive Panel relevance: partially-replicable

Brain health / cognition

Transcranial photobiomodulation for cognitive function systematic review

systematic-review 35 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: 630, 635, 810, 1060, 1068 nm Dose/timing: 10 J/cm2 / Varied by population and study / Varied by population and study Area: Scalp / transcranial targets Device: Transcranial photobiomodulation devices Source

Lee TL, Ding Z, Chan AS. Ageing Research Reviews. 2023.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Mood / depression

Transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder review

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: very-low; direction: unclear Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Experimental; not settled / Experimental; not settled Area: Transcranial targets Device: Transcranial red/NIR photobiomodulation Source

Cassano P, Petrie SR, Hamblin MR, et al. Neurophotonics. 2016.

Evidence: very-low Direction: unclear Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Brain health / cognition

Transcranial PBM for cognition in healthy adults systematic review and meta-analysis

meta-analysis 9 included studies Evidence: low; direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied by study / Varied by study Area: Transcranial targets Device: Transcranial photobiomodulation devices Source

Salehpour F, Majdi A, Pazhuhi M, et al. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery. 2019.

Evidence: low Direction: positive Panel relevance: not-panel-replicable

Whole-body PBM / exercise recovery

Whole-body photobiomodulation for exercise performance and recovery systematic review

systematic-review Study count not extracted Evidence: low; direction: mixed Panel relevance: panel-replicable Wavelengths: Not reported Dose/timing: Varied across whole-body PBM studies / Varied across whole-body PBM studies Area: Whole body Device: Whole-body photobiomodulation beds, booths, or large-array devices Source

Álvarez-Martínez M, Borden G. Lasers in Medical Science. 2025.

Evidence: low Direction: mixed Panel relevance: panel-replicable