What This Review Looked At
Researchers from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan conducted a narrative review examining the evidence on photobiomodulation as a complementary treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The review searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies on photobiomodulation and COPD-related inflammation and muscle effects, ultimately selecting 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria — 8 focused on lung inflammation and 4 on muscle function. Both animal and human studies were included.
COPD is characterised by chronic airway inflammation, progressive airflow limitation, and a range of extrapulmonary complications including skeletal muscle dysfunction. Current pharmacological treatments manage symptoms but do not halt disease progression. The review examined photobiomodulation — the use of low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate biological processes — as a potential non-pharmacological adjunct to existing COPD management.
What They Found
On lung inflammation, seven animal studies and one human clinical trial were reviewed. All seven animal studies reported that photobiomodulation reduced lung inflammation in COPD-related models. The consistent findings across studies included reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and chemokines, alongside increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Photobiomodulation also reduced inflammatory cell infiltration — particularly neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes — and protected lung tissue from further damage.
The single human clinical trial by Mehani et al. studied 40 patients with mild to moderate COPD using laser acupuncture over two months. Results showed reduced plasma IL-6 and an improved CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio — a marker of healthier immune regulation — with the laser group outperforming the inspiratory muscle training control group.
On peripheral muscle function, three clinical studies by Miranda et al. demonstrated that photobiomodulation applied to the quadriceps muscle significantly reduced muscle fatigue, increased isometric endurance time, improved peak torque and total work output, and reduced dyspnoea and lower limb fatigue in patients with COPD. In a later triple-blinded trial, photobiomodulation combined with a magnetic field further improved exercise capacity as measured by the 6-minute stepper test.
On respiratory muscle function, one double-blind crossover trial by de Souza et al. applied photobiomodulation to key respiratory muscles including the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and intercostal muscles in 12 COPD patients. While no significant changes were found in lung function or respiratory muscle strength, there was a significant improvement in functional walking capacity at 24 hours after treatment.
What This Means in Context
This is a narrative review with a small number of included studies, the majority of which are animal models. The one human clinical trial on lung inflammation had a relatively small sample and used an acupuncture-based delivery method rather than panel irradiation, which limits direct comparison with the devices typically used in home or clinical settings. The authors are clear that photobiomodulation is not positioned as a replacement for current pharmacotherapy — bronchodilators, anticholinergics, and inhaled corticosteroids remain the gold standard — but as a complementary approach that carries none of their common side effects.
The muscle function findings are supported by a stronger body of clinical evidence. Multiple randomised and blinded trials in COPD patients consistently showed meaningful improvements in peripheral muscle endurance and exercise capacity, which are among the most important functional outcomes in COPD management. The authors note that photobiomodulation’s ability to increase ATP synthesis, improve mitochondrial metabolism, and enhance oxygen availability in muscle tissue may explain these effects.
What It Means for You
If you or someone close to you is living with COPD or another chronic inflammatory lung condition, this review adds to an early but consistent body of evidence suggesting that photobiomodulation may offer meaningful support — particularly for the muscle fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and breathlessness that often define daily life with COPD. As always, we encourage open dialogue with your treating physician or pulmonologist before introducing any complementary therapy alongside your existing treatment plan.
Citation
Lu, Y.S., Chen, Y.J., Lee, C.L., Kuo, F.Y., Tseng, Y.H., & Chen, C.H. (2023). Effects of photobiomodulation as an adjunctive treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a narrative review. Lasers in Medical Science, 38, 56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03661-6
