Can a light device help soldiers heal broken bones faster?
NCT ID NCT05843864
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tested whether adding photobiomodulation (light therapy) to standard physical therapy helps military trainees with leg stress fractures heal faster. 105 participants received either real or sham light therapy for up to 6 weeks, and researchers tracked how quickly they returned to duty. The goal was to see if this non-invasive treatment could reduce pain and speed recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- photobiomodulation therapy (light therapy device)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a safe, drug-free way to speed up recovery from stress fractures in active-duty personnel.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with no phase designation, so results may not apply broadly. The sham control means any benefit might be due to placebo or natural healing.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Brooke Army Medical Center
San Antonio, Texas, 78219, United States