A new study shows transcranial photobiomodulation can proactively protect collegiate football players from brain damage caused by repetitive head impacts.
Researchers tested the therapy on 26 Division I athletes over a 16-week season. Half received active treatment using a specialized helmet and intranasal device three days per week. The other half received a sham treatment.
Advanced neuroimaging revealed that the sham group showed widespread increases in neuroinflammatory markers and structural strain. The treated group maintained remarkable neurological stability.
The therapy mitigated neuroinflammation and accelerated tissue recovery. This shifts the clinical paradigm from reactive injury management to true preventative care during active play.