Effects of Photobiomodulation With Superpulsed Laser and Dual Wavelengths in Children and Adolescents

Effects of Photobiomodulation With Superpulsed Laser and Dual Wavelength (810 + 980 NM) in Children and Adolescents With Facial Muscle Pain and Headache: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the effects of photobiomodulation with a superpulsed diode laser (810 + 980 nm) on orofacial pain and tension-type headache in children and adolescents. Sixty participants will be assigned to receive active PBM or sham therapy over eight sessions. Pain and anthropometric variables will be assessed.

Orofacial pain and tension-type headache are common in children and adolescents, often impairing school performance, social interactions, and functional development. Due to potential side effects of pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological alternatives like photobiomodulation (PBM) are being studied. This protocol evaluates the effects of PBM with a superpulsed dual-wavelength diode laser (810 nm + 980 nm) applied to masseter and temporal muscles across eight sessions. Sixty participants (aged 6-17) will be randomized into two groups: G1 (active PBM) and G2 (sham). Anthropometric data (age, weight, height, BMI, Fitzpatrick phototype), penetrated energy, and local temperature will be recorded. Pain will be assessed using the Faces Pain Scale and the ICHD-3 questionnaire. The primary outcome is pain reduction. Secondary outcomes include correlations between anthropometric factors, energy penetration, and clinical response. A linear mixed model with repeated measures will be used for statistical analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age enrolled at the medical and dental clinic of Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), Vergueiro Campus;
• Children and adolescents who present with at least one symptom of orofacial pain and/or headache, according to the Faces Pain Scale and the childhood and adolescence headache questionnaire based on the ICHD-3

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant adolescents;
• Having taken corticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics in the previous 30 days;
• Having taken isotretinoin;
• Individuals who report photosensitivity to laser or LED in previous treatments.