Abstract
Purpose: This study was grounded in the theories of low-level LED light therapy (LLLT) and traditional Chinese medicine, which propose that applying photo energy to acupoints can improve microcirculation, facilitates energy transmission to mitochondria in the skin, augments the activity of the respiratory chain, and increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using LLLT to prevent pressure ulcers, improve nutritional status, and regulate Body Mass Index (BMI) in older adults in nursing homes.
Methods: This study applied a one-group pre and post-test design. Data were collected from December 2019 through February 2022. We recruited 120 older adults from four nursing homes in southern Taiwan. Portable devices, a soft cap-type, equipped, with LLLT employs red and near-infrared light (660 and 850nm) to perform 30-minute 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Pressure ulcer risk was assessed using the Braden Scale. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and BMI was calculated based on each participant's height and weight.
Results: The mean age of the older adults was 76.86 years (SD = 9.18; range 65–95), with 63.3% being women. All participants were at low-risk for pressure sore (Braden Scale ≧ 16), however, their pressure ulcer risk decreased significantly (Braden scale increased from 20.63 ± 2.12 at pre-test to 21.29 ± 1.69 at post-test, p<.001). Mean nutritional status scores increased from 21.21 ± 2.98 at pre-test to 22.09 ± 2.55 at post-test (p<.001); while the proportion with good nutritional status (MNA >23.5) increased from 30% to 45% (p<.001). Body weight increased from 55.81 kg (SD = 9.67) to 56.27 kg (SD = 9.55) (p = .04), and BMI increased from 22.06 (SD = 3.57) to 22.26 kg/m2 (SD = 3.64) (p = .02). The proportion with underweight decreased insignificantly from 10% to 7.5%.
Conclusion: LLLT was effective in decreasing pressure ulcer risk, improving nutritional status, and increasing BMI among older adults in nursing homes. The study supports the potential of LLLT as a beneficial intervention for older adults in nursing homes, warranting future randomized controlled trials.
Notes
References:
1. da Silva, T. G., Ribeiro, R. S., Mencalha, A. L., & de Souza Fonseca, A. (2023). Photobiomodulation at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. Lasers in Medical Science, 38(1), 136.
2. Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Low-level light therapy: Photobiomodulation. Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).
3. Machado, R. S., Viana, S., & Sbruzzi, G. (2017). Low-level laser therapy in the treatment of pressure ulcers: systematic review. Lasers in medical science, 32, 937-944.
4. Moro, C., Valverde, A., Dole, M., Hoh Kam, J., Hamilton, C., Liebert, A., ... & Mitrofanis, J. (2022). The effect of photobiomodulation on the brain during wakefulness and sleep. Frontiers in neuroscience, 16, 942536.
5. Kim, K., Lee, J., Jang, H., Park, S., Na, J., Myung, J. K., ... & Myung, H. (2019). Photobiomodulation Enhances the Angiogenic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Mitigate Radiation-Induced Enteropathy. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(5), 1-19.
6. Kuffler, D. P. (2016). Photobiomodulation in promoting wound healing: a review. Regenerative medicine, 11(1), 107-122.
7. Petz, F. D. F. C., Félix, J. V. C., Roehrs, H., Pott, F. S., Stocco, J. G. D., Marcos, R. L., & Meier, M. J. (2020). Effect of Photobiomodulation on Repairing Pressure Ulcers in Adult and Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 96(1), 191-199.
8. Pruitt, T., Carter, C., Wang, X., Wu, A., & Liu, H. (2022). Photobiomodulation at different wavelengths boosts mitochondrial redox metabolism and hemoglobin oxygenation: lasers vs. light-emitting diodes in vivo. Metabolites, 12(2), 103.
9. Raizman, R., & Gavish, L. (2020). At-Home Self-Applied Photobiomodulation Device for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes–Report of 4 Cases. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 1-4.
10. Saghafi-Asl, M., & Vaghef-Mehrabany, E. (2017). Comprehensive comparison of malnutrition and its associated factors between nursing home and community dwelling elderly: A case-control study from Northwestern Iran. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 21, 51-58.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Low-Level LED Light Therapy, Pressure Ulcer, Nutritional, BMI, Long-term Care, Interprofessional, Interdisciplinary
Recommended Citation
Lai, I-Hua; Chien, Li-Yin; and Tai, Chen-Jei, "Effects of LED Light Therapy on Pressure Ulcers, Nutrition, and Body Mass Index in Nursing Homes" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 33.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/33
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Effects of LED Light Therapy on Pressure Ulcers, Nutrition, and Body Mass Index in Nursing Homes
Seattle, Washington, USA
Purpose: This study was grounded in the theories of low-level LED light therapy (LLLT) and traditional Chinese medicine, which propose that applying photo energy to acupoints can improve microcirculation, facilitates energy transmission to mitochondria in the skin, augments the activity of the respiratory chain, and increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using LLLT to prevent pressure ulcers, improve nutritional status, and regulate Body Mass Index (BMI) in older adults in nursing homes.
Methods: This study applied a one-group pre and post-test design. Data were collected from December 2019 through February 2022. We recruited 120 older adults from four nursing homes in southern Taiwan. Portable devices, a soft cap-type, equipped, with LLLT employs red and near-infrared light (660 and 850nm) to perform 30-minute 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Pressure ulcer risk was assessed using the Braden Scale. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and BMI was calculated based on each participant's height and weight.
Results: The mean age of the older adults was 76.86 years (SD = 9.18; range 65–95), with 63.3% being women. All participants were at low-risk for pressure sore (Braden Scale ≧ 16), however, their pressure ulcer risk decreased significantly (Braden scale increased from 20.63 ± 2.12 at pre-test to 21.29 ± 1.69 at post-test, p<.001). Mean nutritional status scores increased from 21.21 ± 2.98 at pre-test to 22.09 ± 2.55 at post-test (p<.001); while the proportion with good nutritional status (MNA >23.5) increased from 30% to 45% (p<.001). Body weight increased from 55.81 kg (SD = 9.67) to 56.27 kg (SD = 9.55) (p = .04), and BMI increased from 22.06 (SD = 3.57) to 22.26 kg/m2 (SD = 3.64) (p = .02). The proportion with underweight decreased insignificantly from 10% to 7.5%.
Conclusion: LLLT was effective in decreasing pressure ulcer risk, improving nutritional status, and increasing BMI among older adults in nursing homes. The study supports the potential of LLLT as a beneficial intervention for older adults in nursing homes, warranting future randomized controlled trials.
Description
This study investigates the effects of Low-Level LED Light Therapy (LLLT) in reducing pressure ulcer risk, improving nutritional status, and increasing Body Mass Index (BMI) in older adults in nursing homes. Significant improvements in pressure ulcer prevention, nutrition, and BMI were observed after LLLT intervention. Attendees can expect insights into the potential of LLLT as a promising intervention for enhancing the health of older adults in nursing home settings.