Effect of Photobiomodulation Treatment in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis:

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, for which the forms of treatment are medication and rehabilitation. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that photobiomodulation can be an effective treatment modality for inflammatory diseases, including MS. Photobiomodulation has a broad range of benefits, such as the avoidance of cell and tissue death, the stimulation of healing and injury repair, reductions in pain, edema and inflammation, cell proliferation and even apoptosis. The outcomes of photobiomodulation include the regeneration of cells, the stimulation of the growth of Schwann cells, a reduction in spasticity, functional improvements, a reduction in nitric oxide levels and the upregulation of the cytokine IL10, demonstrating that this therapeutic modality can offer neuro-protection.

Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial is proposed. The patients will be divided into six groups. Groups 1 and 2 will receive sham and active photobiomodulation in the sublingual region, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 will receive sham and active photobiomodulation along the spinal cord, respectively. Group 5 will receive placebo treatment with photobiomodulation on the skin in the region of the radial artery with a specific bracelet. Group 6 will be treated with photobiomodulation on the skin in the region of the radial artery with a specific bracelet.

Discussion: Treatment for MS is directed at the immune response and slowing the progression of the disease. This is one of the first clinical trials with sublingual and along the spinal cord photobiomodulation, which could help establish a new, promising treatment of the disease associated with pharmacological treatment.