Light on the brain: different frequencies may fine-tune motor performance
NCT ID NCT07707284
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether shining near-infrared light on the scalp — a technique called transcranial photobiomodulation — can change how the brain controls movement. Twenty healthy adults aged 18 to 35 will receive light at different pulse frequencies (continuous, 10 Hz, 40 Hz, or 100 Hz) or a sham treatment in random order. Researchers will measure brain excitability using magnetic stimulation and fine motor skill with a smartphone finger-tapping test. The goal is to see if certain frequencies affect the brain more than others, independent of the total light dose.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) using near-infrared light
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could reveal optimal light frequencies for boosting brain function, potentially aiding future treatments for motor or cognitive disorders.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study in healthy volunteers, so results may not apply to people with medical conditions. The effects may be subtle or not clinically meaningful.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CORTICAL EXCITABILITY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Blood flow restriction may change how hamstrings use oxygen during exercise
- Brain scans reveal how experimental drug LG-0317 targets serotonin transporters
- Could exosomes from umbilical cord cells help heal skin? first safety trial launches
- Scientists test how body weight influences a new drug's absorption
- Zapping your brain while you sleep might boost memory, study hints
- Brain zaps may work better with hormones in mind