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This research evaluates the impact of resistance training combined with photobiomodulation on muscle strength and respiratory function in asthma patients.

July 12, 2026Lasers in Medical Science0 citationsOpen Access

Re: Effects of resistance training with/without photobiomodulation on muscle and respiratory function in difficult-to-control asthma: a randomized trial

LDLi DingFudan University QYQinsong YeNingbo University

Key Points

This research evaluates the impact of resistance training combined with photobiomodulation on muscle strength and respiratory function in asthma patients.
Triple-blind randomized trial
Compared resistance training with photobiomodulation therapy to resistance training alone
Assessed peripheral muscle strength and exercise capacity
RT+PBMT improved peripheral muscle strength and exercise capacity compared to RT alone.
No significant improvement in lung function or asthma control was observed.
Future evaluations should explore optimal PBMT parameters and standalone PBMT effects.

Abstract

This letter discusses Costa et al.’s randomized trial of resistance training (RT) combined with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for difficult-to-control asthma (DTCA). The triple-blind study shows RT+PBMT safely improves peripheral muscle strength and exercise capacity better than RT alone. PBMT has dose-dependent effects, but optimal parameters for chronic respiratory patients remain unclear. Some clinicians have proposed standalone PBMT for DTCA patients unable to complete resistance training, but this approach has not been validated in clinical trials. The absence of a PBMT-only group limits assessment for patients unable to tolerate RT. The intervention did not improve lung function or asthma control, acting only peripherally. RT+PBMT is a useful adjuvant therapy; future studies should optimize PBMT dosing, test standalone PBMT, and examine long-term outcomes, and compare different PBMT wavelengths, energy settings and irradiation sites to refine real-world treatment protocols.

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