A fotobiomodulação transcraniana e corporal pode alterar a percepção tátil somatossensorial de mulheres com fibromialgia? Um estudo quase experimental

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain, affecting about 2.5% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapy that uses red or infrared light to stimulate neuronal metabolism and promote various biological responses. Objective: To identify the effects of transcranial and body PBM on the modulation of somatosensory tactile perception in women diagnosed with FM. Methodology: The sample consisted of 14 women with a mean age of 48.5 years; mean weight of 77.3 kg and mean height of 1.61 meters. The study used the Brain Gauge device to assess cortical parameters such as focus, processing speed, temporal perception, and brain plasticity through somatosensory tactile perception. Results: After the intervention, the overall score and focus showed an increase in the mean value, with a large effect size (p=0.004, ES=- 0.9176), (p=0.007, ES=-0.8469). The accuracy variable showed no significant changes at the end of the intervention (p = 0.721). Finally, reaction time showed a reduction with a medium effect size (p = 0.03, ES = 0.6504). Time perception and plasticity showed no differences after the intervention, p = 0.969 and p = 0.925, respectively. Conclusion: The PBM protocol, applied both to the body and transcranially, promoted significant improvements in the overall score, reaction time, and focus of women with FM.