Effects of Near Infrared Light on Surgical Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
PubMed 41605843 · doi:10.1111/iwj.70841
What was done
A systematic review and multilevel random-effects meta-analysis (registered in PROSPERO) evaluated near-infrared (NIR) light therapy (630–1100 nm) versus standard care or placebo for surgical wound healing. Quality was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0 and GRADE. Moderator analyses evaluated wavelength, fluence, session count, technique, and anatomical site across 56 included trials (N = 4,920), with 35 trials contributing 69 outcomes to the meta-analysis.
What was found
NIR therapy significantly improved wound healing (SMD 0.78, 95% CI [0.46, 1.09], p < 0.01) and reduced postoperative pain (SMD 0.71, 95% CI [0.24, 1.17], p < 0.01). Optimal outcomes were associated with wavelengths of 700–850 nm, 4–10 sessions, and non-contact application. Effects on swelling, scarring, and inflammatory markers were inconsistent. High heterogeneity was observed, and overall evidence certainty was rated very low.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes clinical evidence for photobiomodulation in surgical recovery, demonstrating benefits for healing and analgesia while identifying parameter ranges that may guide clinical protocol design.
Limits
Overall certainty of evidence is very low by GRADE criteria, with high statistical and protocol heterogeneity across trials. Findings for swelling, scarring, and inflammatory markers were inconsistent.
Cited by
- supports Red light and near-infrared light improve muscle recovery, skin health, wound healing, acne, pain, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and visual acuity.