Phototherapy with combination of super-pulsed laser and LEDs in field test with high-level rugby athletes

Abstract

It has been a growth of rugby practice in country (Brazil) since its' entrance in the Olympic Games of 2016. Consequently, it indispensable that more studies regarding training be developed in order to contribute to the improvement of that sport. Being a sport modality with intense physical contact, which the athlete must maintain high speed, strength and power throughout the game, and within several matches during the same day, muscle recovery is a crucial point to be developed for its' athletes. Several researches have shown that the use of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Light Emitting Diode Therapy (LEDT) were effective in preventing muscle fatigue, delaying the effects of fatigue, aiding recovery of muscles, reducing the risk of injury, and therefore, improving the athletic performance. However, those studies have been developed in controlled environment (laboratory). Thus, the present research project aims to study the physiological response of rugby players to pre-exercise phototherapy treatment (with combination of LLLT and LEDT). For such, it will be performed a randomized, crossover, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial employing a field test of anaerobic endurance. The variables regarding test performance, and volunteers´ recovery will be analyzed. (AU)