Photobiomodulation with transdermal ILIB as an adjuvant therapy in metabolic syndrome: protocol for a randomized clinical trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62331/2965-758X.v4.2026.80Keywords:
Photobiomodulation, Metabolic syndrome, ILIB, Low-level light therapyAbstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by the coexistence of cardiometabolic risk factors, including abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose metabolism, and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although lifestyle modifications and pharmacological therapies remain the cornerstone of treatment, complementary therapeutic strategies have increasingly been investigated. In this context, photobiomodulation (PBM), particularly through the intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) technique, has attracted scientific interest due to its potential to modulate metabolic, inflammatory, and microcirculatory processes. This study aims to describe and provide the rationale for a randomized clinical trial protocol designed to evaluate the effects of PBM with transdermal ILIB as an adjuvant therapy in individuals with MetS. This is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial protocol. A total of 60 participants of both sexes, aged between 30 and 80 years, diagnosed with MetS, will be recruited and randomly allocated to either a control group (conventional treatment) or an ILIB group (conventional treatment associated with PBM). The intervention will be performed twice weekly over a period of 120 days. Biochemical, hemodynamic, and quality-of-life parameters will be assessed. It is expected that PBM with transdermal ILIB may contribute to improved glycemic control, lipid profile, hemodynamic parameters, and quality of life among participants. This protocol may contribute to a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of PBM as an adjuvant strategy in the management of MetS.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Thaisa Fernanda Queiroz de Souza, Carmem Costa Martins, Laís Gomes, Tiago Souza Lansoni, Giovani Dellaqua Gonçalves, Milena Panula Nascimento, Ana Clara Arnoni Garcia, Janaina Aparecida Soares Ferro Laranjo, Ana Laura Andrade, Carla Roberta Tim

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