NASA Technology
Light emitting diodes (LED) were used during seven space shuttle flights. They were used in a plant growth chamber, called Astroculture and developed by Centre for Space Automation and Robotics of University of Wisconsin in Madison. This is one of NASA’S Space Technology Centres, which are units of a programe for the Development of Space Equipment, headed by Marshall Space Flight Center. The LEDs were used to provide light used in photosynthesis for the plants in space. The results were remarkable:
Biologists have discovered that cell activity, under the influence of near-infrared light, (energy just outside the visible range) originating from the LEDs, increased from 150 to 200 percent faster than cells without the stimulation light. Use of these light ranges, successfully increase energy inside human cells, accelerating the healing process.
“In the first phase of testing, the use of LEDs has significantly helped to alleviate the sufferings of pediatric patients after bone marrow transplantation. They complained of pain caused by mucositis, being a frequent side effect of chemo – radiotherapy “- so says Dr. David Margolis, associate professor of pediatrics at the Medical University of Wisconsin.
T. Harry Whelan, Professor of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Pediatric Neurologist in Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and medical researcher; utilizing LED light in medicine.
LED probe, developed by Dr. Harry Whelan (pictured). It consists of 144 tiny diodes, is very compact (the size of a small human finger with a diameter of about 13 mm). The probe used continuously for several hours, stays cool, and its price is a fraction of the cost of a laser. Where surgeries were indicated, Dr. Whelan instead experimented with some anticancer drugs, exposing the drug to light emitted by the LEDs. Whelan’s technique consisted of injecting into the bloodstream of the patient the drug PHOTOFRINâ®, which was then activated by LED light. The test results showed a greater efficiency in the light exposed drug. Whelan has received aproval from the Department of the US Food and Drug Administration to test the LED probe in the removal of brain tumors in children.
In medical research the health effects of the light emitted by LEDs are being tested continously. In 2001, on the second International Conference on Biotechnology devices at NASA concerning the photobiology and photodynamic therapy, scientists reported that the NIR (near infrared) light was applied, with success to:
– Accelerating the healing of open wounds in diabetic patients
– Treating severe mucositis in children after high-dose radiotherapy
– Promoting the rebuilding of the bone surrounding dental implants
– Stimulating the reconstruction of damaged retinal cells
Selected Research Confirms Effectiveness of LED Light
Many research centers in Japan, Britain and the United States carry out clinical tests designed to measure the effectiveness of red light and near-infrared light produced by LEDs for the treatment of damage and injuries and to reduce or even abolish chronic pain. Many of these studies have confirmed the efficacy of LEDs and positive effects on damaged cells.
1. Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound healing.
Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and near-infrared light therapy on wound healing.
PODSTAWOWE DANE: Light-emitting diodes (LED), originally developed for NASA plant growth experiments in space show promise for delivering light deep into tissues of the body to promote wound healing and human tissue growth. In this paper, we review and present our new data of LED treatment on cells grown in culture, on ischemic and diabetic wounds in rat models, and on acute and chronic wounds in humans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro and in vivo (animal and human) studies utilized a variety of LED wavelength, power intensity, and energy density parameters to begin to identify conditions for each biological tissue that are optimal for biostimulation.
RESULTS: LED produced in vitro increases of cell growth of 140-200% in mouse-derived fibroblasts, rat-derived osteoblasts, and rat-derived skeletal muscle cells, and increases in growth of 155-171% of normal human epithelial cells. Wound size decreased up to 36% in ischemic rat models. LED produced improvement of greater than 40% in musculoskeletal training injuries in Navy SEAL team members, and decreased wound healing time in crew members aboard a U.S. Naval submarine. LED produced a 47% reduction in pain of children suffering from oral mucositis.
CONCLUSION: We believe that the use of NASA LED for light therapy alone, will greatly enhance the natural wound healing process, and more quickly return the patient to a preinjury/illness level of activity. This work is supported and managed through the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center-SBIR Program.
2. Return of Sensations , Diminished Pain and Improved Balance in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Leonard DR, Farooqi MH, Myers S., Joslin Diabetes Center as assets in Meas Morton Healthcare, Clearwater, Florida 33756, USA.
OBJECTIVE: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was considered progressive and irreversible process. A recent study reported a reduction in symptoms after surgery using medical device which emits near-infrared. However, that study was not controlled. We started a study to determine whether treatment with medical device which emits near-infrared reduce pain and / or improve sensation diminished due to DPN.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: The study involved twenty-seven patients. Each lower extremity was treated for 2 weeks with sham or active device, and then received active treatment for 2 additional weeks.
RESULTS: Pain (in 10-point scale) decreased progressively from 4.2 to 3.2 after 6 treatments and to 2.3 after 12 treatments. At the beginning of the study, 90 percent of patients had a significant imbalance, after treatment this percentage had fallen to 17 percent. Among the group of nine patients with impaired sensory sensations, an improvement in sensation was experienced.
CONCLUSION : Near-Infrared light treatment improves sensation in the feet of people with DPN, improves balance and reduces pain.
3. Results of Low Intensity Near Infrared Light in Treatment of Prolong Inflammation of Achilles Tendon in Athletes.
Stergioulas Apostolos, PT, PhD*, Stergioula Marianna, PT*, Aarskog Reidar, PT, mgr , Rodrigo B. A. Lopes-Martins, MPharm, PhD Jan M. Bjordal, PT, PhD , | |,
From the * Department of Human Movement and Quality of Life, Peloponnese University, Sparta, Lakonia, Greece, Institute of Physiotherapy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, the Laboratory of Pharmacology and Phototherapy of inflammation, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil and | | Section of Physiotherapy Science, Faculty of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway Correspondence to Jan M. Bjordal, PT, PhD, Institute of Physiotherapy, Bergen University College, Mollendalsvn 6, 5009 Bergen, Norway (e-mail: jmb@hib.no This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
INTRODUCTION: Isometric exercises are recommended for the treatment of inflammation of the Achilles tendon, but the clinical effect has a slow start.
METHODS: Groups of 52 athletes with chronic Achilles tendon. They were subjected to low-level laser therapy (= 820 nm), for 12 sessions in which the irradiated 6 points along the Achilles tendon.
RESULTS: The severity of pain during physical activity in 100-mm visual analogue scale was significantly lower. Secondary effects: injury stiffness, tenderness was also lower.
CONCLUSION: The low-level laser with the parameters used in this study, accelerates the recovery of the improvement in patients with chronic Achilles tendon.
4. LED Light Therapy Significantly Inhibits the Expression of Genes in Acute Spinal Cord Injury
K.R. Byrnes 1, R. W. Waynant 2, I.K. Ilev 2, B. Johnson 1, Pollard H. 1, Srivastava M. 1, Eidelman O. 1, Huang, W. 1, JJ Anders1
1. Department of anatomy, physiology and genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA;
2. Centre for Health and radiological devices, the Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, USA
Secondary damage to the spinal cord causes degeneration of axons, scar and cavity formation and cell death. They occur around the initial injury and are a major reason for the failure of axon regeneration observed after spinal cord injury (SCI). Immune response after SCI is under investigation as a potential mediator of secondary injury. Treatment of SCI with 810 nm light suppresses the immune response and enhances axonal regeneration.
We hypothesize that these beneficial effects are accompanied by changes in gene expression within the spinal cord, especially those genes involved in secondary injury and immune response.
The analysis showed that light treatment led to significantly inhibit the expression of genes that normally peak between 6 and 24 hours after injury, including proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL6), chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and induced nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS , p <0.05).
Although the precise role of some of these genes after spinal cord injury are currently unclear, these data indicate that light therapy has anti-inflammatory effect on spinal cord injury and may reduce secondary injury, thus providing a mechanism for supplying the regenerating axons.
5.Effectiveness of Low level LT in Rheumatoid Arthritis with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy with a low level (LLLT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS : 19 patients with a diagnosis of CTS in 19 hands were randomly assigned to two groups of therapeutic LLLT (group 1), (10 hands) with 1.5J dosage per point and laser therapy with placebo (group 2) (9 hands). LED Galium-aluminum-arsenide laser was used as a source of low-power laser with 50 mW and a wavelength of 780 nm. All treatments were applied once daily on weekdays for a period of 10 days. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after treatment for three months. Patients were evaluated on the basis of clinical parameters such as functional status (FSS), visual analog scale (VAS), symptom score (SSS) and grip strength.
RESULTS: Clinical and electrophysiological parameters at baseline were similar in both groups. Improvement was significantly more prominent in the LLLT group than the placebo. The comparison group showed significant improvement in pain relief.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that laser therapy LLLT seems to be effective in pain and hand function in CTS. LLLT can be used as an alternative, a good method of treatment of patients with RA CTS.
6. Advanced Low Level Laser Therapy in Treatment of Patients with Atherosclerosis of Lower Limbs
Attia A.M., EI-Kashef H. Laser Centre, Alhikmah Hospital, EI-Mansoura, Egypt Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta Egypt
Twenty patients with atherosclerosis of lower limbs treated by a low level laser therapy, 30 minutes, 6 days a week for 2 months. The average value of percentage of success was 87.2%. The results indicate that laser therapy with a low level can have positive influence on atherosclerosis of lower extremities, which is generally difficult to treat.
INTRODUCTION: This disorder occurs mainly in patients aged 45 and 70 years. It is now much more common in men than in women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low power laser in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease were included in the study. The ratio of male to female ratio was 4:1. Age ranged from 45 to 69 years. The duration of symptoms ranged from one to eight months. Patients experienced pain in the calf muscles after walking a distance of 200 to 500 meters. Three patients experienced pain at rest, at night.
RESULTS : Pain disappeared in 16 patients who received 3 to 7 courses of treatment. Eight patients were able to walk 1500 meters and there were no pain in their calf muscles, and thus the rate of success was at 100 percent. The remaining patients had improved from 73 percent to 95 percent. Three patients discontinued treatment for reasons not related to the study. One patient, 69 years old, did not suffer any improvement. The average success rate: 87.2 percent.
CONCLUSION: Low level laser therapy can be considered in the treatment of peripheral atherosclerosis.
7. Intravascular Low Level Laser Treatment of Patients with Injuries of Internal Abdominal Organs and Severe Intra-abdominal Bleeding
Khirurgiia (Mosk). 1998 (5) :40-2. VN Koshelev, Chalyk IuV.
The use of intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) combined with intensive postoperative care in 28 patients with injuries of parenchymal organs and severe intraabdominal bleeding (more than 20% of CBV) has helped to significantly improve outcomes and reduce complications. ILIB increases the functional activity of leukocytes, normalizing antioxidant defense system and hemostasis.
8. Low Level Laser Irradiation In Correcting Albumin Transport In Patients With Severe Mechanical Trauma
NR-Berezhnaia Kravchenko, VV Moroz, VL Kozhura.
The article presents evidence that it is desirable to perform multi intravascular low intensity laser irradiation of blood in patients with severe mechanical trauma and massive hemorrhage in the early post-traumatic. Application of laser radiation at a wavelength of 632.0 nm by inserting disposable light guide (the power was 1.5-2.0 mW end, and the duration of the session – 30 min) in the context of a comprehensive treatment in this group of patients, increases the ability of albumin plasma transport and general arousal natural detoxification mechanisms.
9. Treatment of Bronchial Asthma Attack with Low Level Laser Light
Ailioaie, C.; Ailioaie, Laura AA (Univ. of Medicine and Pharmacy) Rev. Proc SPIE. 4166, p. 303-308, World Laser Florence 1999: Window on the Laser Medicine, Leonardo Longo, Alfons G. Hofstetter, Mihail L. Pascu, Wilhelm R. Waidelich; EDS.06/2000
Bronchial asthma is a common disease in the population of both children and adults, is characterized by great diversity, in short periods of time. The primary objective in the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is safe, effective and rapid relief of symptoms due to obstruction of the trachea or bronchi. We investigated the impact of LLLT compared to other studies of modality in pediatric asthma. The study enrolled 98 patients aged 10-18 years diagnosed with moderate or severe asthma, during the time of the attack. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 received only the laser therapy. Group 2 was treated only with inhaled Serevent 2 x 25 microns, twice daily for 3 months. Group 3 received some retard theophylline dose 15-mg/kg/12 h, for 3 months. At the end of the study, a significant improvement in clinical, immunological and functional properties was experienced among 83 percent of patients in group 1, only 70 percent (group 2) and 53 percent (group 3). LLLT had a very good effect on the patency of the bronchi, presented the action and is recommended immunocorrecting during periods free from attacks in children.
10. Effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy In Pain Relief and Increased Functional Mobility of Tte Cervical Spine
Özdemir F, Birte M, Kokino S. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Medical Faculty of Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
Pain is the main symptom of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine (COA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pain relief and functional changes of LPL associated with COA. Sixty patients between 20 and 65 years of age with clinically and radiologically diagnosed COA were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two equal groups according to therapeutic treatments, both LPL and laser placebo. Patients in each group were tested in the field of pain and arrangements associated with physical pain, such as increased paravertebral muscle spasm, loss of lordosis, and limitation of neck range of motion before and after therapy. Significant improvements were seen in the LPL group, but no improvement in the placebo group. LPL appears to be effective in relieving pain and improving function associated with osteoarthritis.
11. Low-Energy Light Radiation, Present Ability To Use It In The Health Resorts
AAlexander Sieroń *, Gregory Cieslar with the Chair and Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Silesian Medical Academy, Head of Department: prof. dr hab. Alexander Sieroń
Low-energy light radiation (generated by semiconductor laser diodes or LEDs) used in the stimulation allows you to obtain a strong analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory, improve blood circulation and stimulate tissue regeneration processes, especially the body shells (12, 17, 18, 20). For this reason, this form of therapy has been used primarily for the treatment of pain and inflammatory changes in the course of diseases of osteoarticular and nervous systems, as well as ulcers and trophic changes of skin and mucous membranes (5, 12, 17, 18, 20). Due to the ease of implementation of procedures using portable and easy to use equipment, as well as a therapeutic effectiveness, no side effects and stimulation treatments can be combined with other methods of physiotherapy and balneology biostimulation of light has become currently one of the basic forms of therapy in the health resort.