RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Can Photobiomodulation Improve Balance and Cognition in Individuals Over 60: a Pilot Feasibility Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial.

This research is exploring a new way to help people over 60 stay steady on their feet and keep their minds active. As we get older, balance and memory can sometimes become a bit more challenging, which can lead to falls or make daily life harder. This study is testing whether a light-based treatment, delivered at home, could make a difference. It's called "photobiomodulation," and it's a gentle, non-invasive approach. The main goal is to see if this treatment can improve balance and thinking skills. If it works, it could offer a safe and simple way to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoyment of life, and potentially reduce the risk of accidents like falls.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Central Lancashire

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

10 Jul 2027

Age >60

What is this study about?

When we get older, it's common for some changes to happen with our balance and memory. These changes can sometimes make everyday activities a bit more difficult and might even increase the risk of falling. Falls are a big concern for older people in the UK, as they can lead to injuries, hospital stays, and sometimes make it harder to live independently.

Even small changes in how well we remember things or concentrate can affect our confidence, how much we want to socialise, and our overall happiness. Because of this, scientists are keen to find simple, safe, and affordable ways to help older adults stay steady on their feet and keep their minds sharp and active.

This study is a first step to see if a treatment called 'photobiomodulation' might be helpful. This involves using a special kind of light. Researchers want to find out if using this light regularly at home can improve balance and thinking skills in people over 60. If this pilot study is successful, the findings could help develop new strategies to prevent falls, improve wellbeing, and help older people maintain their independence for longer.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new light treatment for balance and memory in older adults.
It aims to help people over 60 stay active and mentally sharp.
Participants will use a home-based light device for 8 weeks.
The study compares the active treatment to a dummy (placebo) treatment.
It's a pilot study, meaning it's an early step to see if the treatment is promising.
Participation could help improve understanding of healthy ageing.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged between 60 and 80 years old. You must be able to fill in questionnaires by yourself, without help, and understand what the study involves before agreeing to take part.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've ever had a head injury, or if you're currently taking any medications that affect your brain or nervous system, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you have any active skin conditions on your forehead or scalp, or if you're already receiving brain stimulation therapy, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Finally, if you have a history of migraines or very sensitive skin or allergies, you would also not be able to take part in this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 60 and 80 years old?
Can you complete written forms on your own?
Do you understand what you're agreeing to by joining?
Have you never had a serious head injury?
Are you NOT currently taking medicines that affect your brain or nerves?
Do you NOT have ongoing skin issues on your forehead or scalp?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be involved for a total of 8 weeks. During this time, you would be asked to use a special device at home, which either delivers the active light treatment (photobiomodulation) or a dummy treatment that looks and feels the same but doesn't have the active light. Neither you nor the researchers would know which one you are receiving – this is to make sure the results are fair.

You would need to attend a few assessment visits at the study site, both before you start the treatment and again after the 8 weeks. These visits would involve tests to measure your balance and thinking skills, likely through simple exercises and puzzles. There are no medications involved in this study, only the light device, and there won't be any further follow-up after the 8-week period and final assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is a pilot, meaning it’s a first look to see if this treatment is promising. There's a chance the light treatment could help improve your balance and thinking skills, but we don't know for sure yet, and you might receive the dummy treatment which won't have any direct benefit. The light treatment is generally considered safe, but like any intervention, there's always a very small possibility of mild, temporary side effects, which would be explained fully before you join. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Central Lancashire
Verified postcode
Preston, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is photobiomodulation?

It's a gentle treatment that uses specific types of light to stimulate cells, in this case, aiming to help with brain function and balance.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the dummy one?

No, neither you nor the researchers will know. This helps us get accurate results by making sure expectations don't influence how people feel or perform.

How long does the study last?

If you join, you'll be involved for a period of 8 weeks, including your assessments before and after the treatment phase.

Will I have to take any medicine?

No, this study does not involve any medication. The intervention is purely based on using a light device.

What if I change my mind during the study?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why. It won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Jonathan Sinclair, DSc

jksinclair@lancashire.ac.uk 07875651533 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.