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References on Light Therapy with LED's:
There are over 2,000 references on light therapy. Most are basic science
studies dealing with Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). These studies show light
therapy can reduce pain after molar extractions, improve immune function, heal
wounds that won't heal, accelerate wound healing, speed healing of fractures,
relieve itching of eczema, increase mitochondrial ATP production (related to
cell energy), improve the appearance of stretch marks, heal venous leg ulcers,
increase production of DNA and collagen, and increase the activity of
fibroblasts. Studies are beginning to appear in which LEDs were used with
similar results. Both LLLT and LED treatments appear to trigger the same
responses as reported in reference #2. This may be because the amount of
light energy delivered is similar and when laser light hits the skin it scatters
and does not stay coherent.
Karu, Tiina, Photobioligy of Low-power Laser Effects. Health Physics
1989/56(5):691-704. Monochromatic visible light stimulated DNA production,
growth of normal cells, and many other basic functions of living organisms. The
same effects were found with low-level laser light as with non-coherent light
(non-laser light) leading the investigator to conclude that coherent (laser) light
is not needed to achieve these results.
Marshall Space Flight Center press release 00-336 (12-18-00).
http://www.msfc.nasa.gov/ .Describes how LEDs are being used to heal hard to
heal wounds such as diabetic skin ulcers, serious burns, oral sores, and
musculoskeletal training injuries.
Drollette, Dan, Can Light Hasten Healing in Space? Biophotonics
International Sept/Oct 2000, 46-49. Describes NASA space applications of
materials described in reference #3.
Whelan HT, et al, Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound
healing. J Clin Laser Med Surg 2001 Dec;19(6):305-15. Treatment with red
LEDs reduced pain and speeded healing in humans.
Gupta, AK, et al., The Use of Low Energy Photon Therapy (LEPT) in
Venous Leg Ulcers: A double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Dermatol Surg
1998;24(12):1383-6. Light therapy with LEDs speeded the healing of leg ulcers.
Seidman, DS, et al., A New Blue-light-emitting Phototherapy Device: A
Prospective Randomized Controlled Study. J Pediatr 2000;136(6):771-4. A
panel of blue LEDs controlled jaundice of the newborn better than standard light therapy.
Thomasson, TL, Effects of Skin-Contact Monochromatic Infrared Irradiation
on Tendonitis, Capsulitis, and Myofascial Pain, J Neurol Orthop Med Surg
(1996) 16:242-245. Panels of infrared LEDs were used with
success in the above mentioned conditions.
Clark, Sir Arthur, Beyond Gravity, National Geographic Jan. 7, 2001, p2-29.
Reports that Dr. Harry T. Whelan of the University of Wisconsin Medical
School has successfully treated wounds, third degree burns, and brain cancer with LEDs.
Enwemeka, CS, et al., Biomechanical effects of three different periods of
GaAs laser photostimulation on tenotomized tendons, Laser Ther 1994;6:181-
188. Rabbit tendons healed much faster and stronger with LLLT.
Personal Communication: In an unpublished study tendons were cut,
sutured together, then half of the rabbits were treated with pulsed LEDs with
the C frequency. At 3 weeks, generally the weakest point in healing, tension
was applied to the breaking point. LED treated tendons healed so well they
pulled out of their bony attachments rather than pull apart where they had been
cut. Tendons in control animals pulled apart easily.
Pontinen, PJ, Low-Energy Photon Therapy, in Complementary and
Alternative Veterinary Medicine, Mosby, St. Louis, 1998 pp. 247-274. Dr.
Pontinen summarizes the successful use of low energy photon therapy
(includes both low level lasers and LEDs) in the treatment of many conditions.
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