Anton Lohle

Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy on Anaerobic Exercise Performance

Started June 17, 2022

Abstract or project description

This project is designed to show if low level laser therapy helps increase anaerobic exercise performance. Infrared light has been shown to increase recovery in athletes but the purpose of this project is to see if there is any benefit to shining infrared light before athletic performance. This experiment will have 10-15 subjects ranging from ages 14-18, with heights ranging from 5'5 to 6'5 and weight ranging from 130 lbs to 210 lbs. This experiment will take place over 4 weeks with data being collected 3 times a week. The subjects will have completed the 2020 PAR-Q survey to make sure that they are healthy enough to participate. The subjects will be excluded from participating if they do not answer the PAR-Q survey or if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This experiment would have infrared light at a wavelength of 850nm shined on subjects' quadriceps muscles for 10 mins before a cycling exercise. The subject will first have the infrared light shined on their quadriceps for 10 minutes then they will warm up for 3 minutes on the exercise bike to prevent injury risk. From there the subject will cycle with maximum effort for up to 10 seconds. Power outputs would be measured in watts from the spin bike computer. The highest number displayed on the spin bike will be the data used. From there the athletes will do a 2 minute cool down. There will also be a group of subjects which will not be exposed to infrared light but will get a placebo. This project has minimal risk to the subjects as by completing the PAR-Q they are physically fit enough to do the study and the warmup/cool down on the exercise bike is also provided to prevent injury.