US and Brazilian researchers worked together on a 2016 review which included 46 studies on the use of light therapy for sports performance in athletes.
One of the researchers was Dr. Michael Hamblin from Harvard University who has been researching red light for decades.
The study concluded that red and near-infrared light therapies can increase muscle mass and decrease inflammation and oxidative stress.
“We raise the question of whether PBM should be permitted in athletic competition by international regulatory authorities.”