Photobiomodulation as an Adjunct to Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hongxiu Chen; Wichai Eungpinichpong; Somkiat Asawaphureekorn; Nuttaset Manimmanakorn; Yicheng Yang; Yuan Xie; Xingze Wang

doi:10.1177/25785478261469320

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Photobiomodulation as an Adjunct to Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hongxiu Chen·Wichai Eungpinichpong·Somkiat Asawaphureekorn·Nuttaset Manimmanakorn·Yicheng Yang·Yuan Xie·Xingze Wang

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been proposed as an adjunct to resistance training to enhance strength adaptations; however, findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate whether adjunctive PBM improves maximal strength gains when combined with periodized resistance training in older adults. METHODS: RCTs were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PEDro, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI from inception to January 2026. Eligible studies examined PBM delivered via low-level laser therapy or light-emitting diodes in combination with resistance training or other strength-oriented loading tasks. Prespecified meta-analyses were restricted to trials combining PBM with periodized resistance training that reported one-repetition maximum (1RM) outcomes; other studies were included in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs (n = 456) were included. Five trials (PBM plus resistance training: n = 74; control: n = 72) met the criteria for meta-analysis. PBM combined with resistance training did not significantly improve maximal muscle strength compared with sham PBM (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.59; p = 0.14; I2 = 4%). Subgroup analyses showed a nonsignificant trend favoring PBM for unilateral 1RM, with no effect for bilateral outcomes and no significant subgroup differences. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the unilateral effect was dependent on individual studies. In nonresistance training contexts, some studies reported potential benefits for fatigue-, recovery-, or function-related outcomes, particularly in frail or critically ill older adults, although findings were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not demonstrate a clear additional benefit of PBM on maximal strength when combined with resistance training in older adults, although a small effect cannot be excluded. PBM may have selective value in improving recovery-related outcomes and supporting training tolerance in vulnerable populations. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to clarify its role.

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Humans Resistance Training Low-Level Light Therapy Muscle Strength Aged Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic meta-analysis muscle strength older adults photobiomodulation resistance training systematic review Journal Article Systematic Review Meta-Analysis

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Hongxiu Chen, Wichai Eungpinichpong, Somkiat Asawaphureekorn, Nuttaset Manimmanakorn, Yicheng Yang, Yuan Xie, Xingze Wang. 2026-07-20. Photobiomodulation as an Adjunct to Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. https://doi.org/10.1177/25785478261469320

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Aged subject Humans subject Journal Article subject Journal Article; Systematic Review; Meta-Analysis resource Low-Level Light Therapy subject Meta-Analysis subject Muscle Strength subject Photobiomodulation subject Systematic reviews study older adults subject

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