Optimization of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Review

The review explores the potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair, emphasizing the need for standardized parameters to improve clinical outcomes. PBM therapy, which uses red/near-infrared light, shows promise in restoring cellular equilibrium, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting CNS regeneration. However, inconsistent dosimetric criteria and contradictory literature hinder its progress. The review highlights the importance of understanding secondary injury mechanisms, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, which impede repair. It calls for standardized methodologies and improved photon delivery systems to establish PBM as a minimally invasive first-line therapy for SCI. The review also notes the variability in recovery among different rodent strains and the challenges in translating findings to humans, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach due to genetic and physiological differences.