Acute Photobiomodulation Effects Through a Cluster Device on Skeletal Muscle Fatigue of Biceps Brachii in Young and Healthy Males: A Randomized Double-Blind Session

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the acute effects of red and infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) using a cluster device on biceps brachii muscle fatigue in young and healthy males. Background: Vigorous physical activity could lead to muscle fatigue, which compromises motor control and muscle strength and consequently impairs performance. The positive effects of PBM in reducing fatigue onset have been highlighted. However, the better wavelength with cluster devices is not yet established. Methods: A randomized double-blind session was used. Thirty-two young and healthy males were randomized into the control group (CG), red PBM group (RPG), and infrared PBM group (IPG). A PBM cluster device [7 visible diodes (630 nm), 7 infrared diodes (850 nm), 100 mW/diode, 2 W/cm2 power density, 91 J/cm2 energy density, 4 J per point, 28 J total energy, and 40 sec] was applied after muscle fatigue. Muscle fatigue was analyzed by surface electromyography (EMG) recorded from the long head of biceps brachii, blood lactate concentration, and evaluation of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg Scale. The fatigue protocol consisted of a maximum voluntary isotonic contraction of elbow flexion-extension with 75% of one-repetition maximum until exhaustion. The Borg Scale was applied before and at the end of the experiment to measure the RPE. The electromyography fatigue index (EMGFI) was calculated by windows of median frequency from EMG data. Results: EMGFI, blood lactate concentration, and RPE showed no intergroup statistical difference, except the EMGFI delta value that showed a difference between IPG and CG, with a greater value in the CG. However, intragroup comparisons showed that EMGFI decreased in the CG and RPE and lactate concentration increased significantly in all groups. Conclusions: There was no difference between red and infrared PBM in reduction of biceps brachii fatigue. However, the EMGFI delta value was greater in the IPG compared with the CG, suggesting that infrared can be more effective in reducing biceps brachii fatigue.