TBI Clinical Results: Vielight itPBM Boosts Neuromuscular Health

This article is based on independent TBI research conducted with the Vielight Neuro Gamma by the University of Utah

Vielight Neuro Gamma

Educational summary of published clinical research on intranasal-transcranial photobiomodulation (itPBM) using Vielight technology in individuals with a history of repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs) and related cognitive concerns. The Vielight Neuro is categorized as a general wellness device by the FDA. It is not cleared or approved by the U.S. FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, prevent, or manage traumatic brain injury (TBI).

In the world of high-impact sports, “getting your bell rung” has long been dismissed as part of the game. However, we now know that repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs), even those that don’t result in a clinical concussion, can lead to long-term declines in motor control, balance, and reaction time.

A groundbreaking n=43 clinical study from the University of Utah, utilizing Vielight Neuro (itPBM) technology, suggests a new way for athletes to fight back.

FULL STUDY LINK

“Football almost killed me… But Vielight saved my life.” — Dr. Larry Carr, PhD Kinesiology.

The Athlete’s Challenge: Hidden Impact

Athletes in contact sports may experience over 100 RHAEs per season. While often asymptomatic, these impacts cause microstructural changes in the brain similar to a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Over time, this “cumulative burden” can dampen motor unit recruitment, slow down reaction speeds, and impair the dynamic balance required for elite performance.

The study focused on individuals with a history of repetitive impacts, emphasizing the long-term cumulative burden of sports:

• Total Enrolled: 49 participants.

• Study Completion: 43 participants (39 male, 4 female).

• Age Range: 18–69 years old (mean age 49.5).

• Condition: Self-reported history of concussions or RHAEs from recreational, collegiate, or professional sports.

• Adherence: High user engagement with a 92% compliance rate over the 8-week period.
  

Clinical Performance Tests

Four assessments were conducted alongside cognitive and neuropsychological tests and a brain MRI:

• Clinical Reaction Time
  Participants caught a falling stick with their dominant hand to measure reaction time, calculated using the distance the stick dropped and the formula for a body falling under gravity.
• Grooved Pegboard Test
  Manipulative dexterity was assessed using a metal board with 25 keyhole-shaped slots. Participants inserted pegs into the holes as quickly as possible, recording the time taken to complete the task with each hand.
• Grip Strength
  Measured using a Jamar Plus Dynamometer, participants squeezed the handle as hard as possible for 3 seconds, with three trials per hand. The average force was recorded.
• Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (MiniBEST)
  This test assessed 14 tasks across four domains (anticipatory postural adjustments, reactive postural control, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait), scoring each task on a three-level ordinal scale with a maximum total score of 28. The overall score and individual subscores for each domain were recorded.

Key Performance Wins

After 8 weeks of using the Vielight Neuro Gamma, participants showed statistically significant improvements in areas vital for competition:

• Faster Reactions: Average reaction time improved by 19.39 ms.

• Increased Power: Dominant hand grip strength grew by 2.70 kg, and non-dominant strength by 3.73 kg.

• Better Stability: Balance scores (MiniBEST) improved significantly, particularly in reactive postural control.

The Study: Boosting Neuromuscular Health

The University of Utah researchers investigated how 8 weeks of itPBM treatment using the Vielight Neuro Gamma influenced the neuromuscular health of individuals with a history of RHAEs. The results highlight significant gains in three critical athletic domains:

1. Explosive Reaction Time: Participants saw a significant improvement in reaction speed, averaging a 19.39 ms faster response. In sports where milliseconds separate a win from a loss, this is a massive advantage.

2. Grip Strength (Bilateral): The study recorded increased grip strength in both the dominant (2.70 kg increase) and non-dominant (3.73 kg increase) hands.

3. Dynamic Balance & Reactive Control: Using the MiniBEST assessment, researchers found moderate improvements in reactive postural control. This suggests a better ability to recover from sudden shifts in balance—essential for avoiding further injury on the field.