Many studies have clearly demonstrated benefits of trans-cranial application of low level light therapy (red and infrared wavelengths). This article goes over the main mechanisms involved which is based on photon energy absorption of cytochrome oxidase (a photoreceptor) Once these high energy photons transfer their energy to the these photreceptors of the brain, now allowing for cognitive enhancement and higher-order brain functioning. In addition, this energetic transference from these high energy light particles allows for neuroprotection, which can explain many previous studies on the benefits of light therapy for neurological conditions <view study> Read Less

The Journal of Neuroscience has just published a study identifying key elements in the brain that are stimulated with light therapy for regulating neuronal functioning to help benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease <view study> Read Less

This study published in the Journal of Pain, recognizes past clinical data for the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in models of pain. Here they looked at daily application of hyperbaric oxygen for 1 week and evaluated physiological changes that may explain the analgesic effects of hyperbaric therapy. The results showed a reduction in numerous inflammatory markers, along with pain relief. By understanding the mechanism, HBOT may get more wide use for being a safe and effective way to reduce inflammatory pain <view study> Read Less

This study followed mice that were exposed to light therapy following plantar incision. The results demonstrated an analgesic effect from the application of light therapy and the authors went over some of the pathways involved in gaining this response <view study> Read Less

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is widely used as an effective off-label use for stroke victims. Research has found that this therapy not only targets oxygenation of the effected area and reduces inflammation, but also has been shown to promote bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to proliferate and mobilize, which essentially becomes an important part of the neurogenic (nervous system growth) effects that have been demonstrated from hyperbaric procedures. Mobilization of these BMSCs to the damaged areas were more improved in long course hyperbaric treatments, suggesting the duration of therapy is crucial for promoting their neurogenic effects.

It is important to also note that emerging stem cell research has clearly demonstrated that BMSCs secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the addition of anti-BDNF neutralising antibodies to MSC-conditioned medium attenuated its neuroprotective effect <view study>

This study also looked at the release of BDNF and found that a 3 week course of HBOT was able to produce significantly higher levels of BDNF and GDNF, than shorter 2 day course of HBO. These results indicated that longer and repetitive HBO therapy promoted more neurotrophic factor production, including BDNF and GDNF. <view study> Read Less