Effects of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Therapy in Rugby Athletes

Therapy with light emitting diodes (LED) is a good resource to accelerate the recovery of the athlete and reduce muscle damage caused by exercise. Objective: To evaluate the effects of LED therapy applied at different times on late muscle pain (DOMS), functional performance, inflammatory and ergogenic response of rugby athletes. Methodology: Randomized crossover clinical trial, composed of three groups that will receive treatment with LED at three different times. Sample made up of rugby athletes of both sexes, aged between 18 and 35 years. On the first day of the study, there will be an anamnesis, where the participants will answer questions about personal data, history of injuries and training time, right after the participants receive weight, height, heart rate and measured blood pressure, in addition to collecting a blood sample. to standardize the individual's baseline values. After the initial assessment, participants will be randomized to not receive the LED (CO) or receive LED therapy at three different times: before (Lpré), in the interval (Lin) and after (Lpós) the performance tests. Then, the modified Star Trek Balance Test (SEBTm), the Single Jump Test (SGHT) and the Triple Jump Test (THT) will be performed. After that, the Bangsbo Sprint (BST) test will be performed, followed by the Yo-Yo level 1 intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo IR1). At the end of this test, the subjects will remain at rest for 10 minutes and will be subjected to the same tests (BST and Yo-Yo IR1) again. They will be measured at the end of the second battery of tests, heart rate, blood pressure, subjective perception of effort, muscle pain threshold, blood samples collected and repeated functional tests. After 48 hours of the performance tests, the blood sample will be collected again, the functional tests carried out and they answered a Stress Recovery Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport-76). At 7, 14 and 21 days after the initial tests, the same test and evaluation protocol will