Effects of integrated treatment with LED and microcurrent on muscle tone and stiffness in the calf muscle during moderate aerobic exercise.

The study included only 20 adult male university students, so the findings may not apply to women, older adults, patients, or people with musculoskeletal conditions. The paper states that participants were randomized but does not report the allocation method or any blinding of participants or assessors. The same physical therapist performed both the interventions and the measurements, and the paper does not report assessor blinding. The outcomes were muscle tone and stiffness measured up to 20 minutes after exercise. The Discussion suggests effects on delayed onset muscle soreness and myofascial pain, but those outcomes were not reported in the results. LED and microcurrent were delivered together as one device during exercise, so the study cannot determine the contribution of either component. The sample size was small, and significant differences were found only at some time points.

Funding was provided by the Gwangju Defense Venture Center 16-2 for a Defense Agent for Technology and Quality project. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not conclude that LED or microcurrent alone prevents soreness or improves recovery. The participants received both together during treadmill walking, and the measured outcomes were calf muscle tone and stiffness.