Acute Effects of LLLT on Pain Threshold and Pain Tolerance
Examining of the Acute Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on Pain Threshold and Tolerance: a Randomized Controlled Trial
European University of Lefke
52 participants
Dec 15, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Pain is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage." Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has gained attention as a safe, noninvasive intervention with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study examines whether a single session of LLLT can produce immediate changes in pain threshold and pain tolerance in healthy adults, compared to a sham laser control.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Healthy individuals without chronic medical conditions
- Free from chronic or acute pain
- All genders
- Able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria9
- Menstruation at the time of testing
- Sensory deficits (failure to pass sharp-dull test)
- Pregnancy
- History of epilepsy
- Presence of cardiovascular conditions (including pacemaker)
- Acute hand injuries
- Diagnosed neurological disorders
- Use of analgesics or NSAIDs within the previous 48 hours
- Contraindications to low-level laser therapy or electrical stimulation (e.g., light sensitivity, malignancy)
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
Active LLLT delivered via a 904 nm wavelength Chattanooga model 422 laser at 1000 Hz with a dosage of 0.9 J/cm². The laser is applied for 2 minutes per point over three standardized points near the medial epicondyle (total duration 6 minutes). Standard laser safety eyewear used for both participant and researcher.
This is a sham comparator intervention. The procedure replicates the active Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) protocol, including device placement, duration (6 minutes), and use of laser safety eyewear. However, the laser emission is deactivated, and no therapeutic light energy is delivered.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07422272