Effects of transcranial photobiomodulation on fine motor skills in boccia para-athletes

This study investigated the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) on para-athletes' manual dexterity and intralimbal coordination. Six para-athletes from a Boccia Team participated. t-PBM was administered using a LED helmet with 204 LEDs (660 and 850 nm) emitting 10 mW each, delivering 9 J/cm² per LED during 15-min sessions three times a week. The trial lasted 2 weeks, with baseline, placebo treatment, and post-treatment assessments. Manual dexterity was measured by Box and Ball Test (BBLT), and intralimbal coordination by discrete and continuous horizontal and vertical touch tests. Results showed significant improvements in manual dexterity for the t-PBM group compared to the placebo. Discrete vertical touch tests showed reduced time to perform movements, and continuous vertical touch tests showed increased movement frequency in the t-PBM group. No significant improvements were observed in the placebo group. t-PBM was shown to be a potentially effective treatment, with significant benefits in fine motor skills.