Some Brigham Young University football players are adding near-infrared light therapy to their regular recovery routines. The headsets shine light onto the scalp and inside the nose, as researchers investigate whether the approach could make the brain more resilient to damage and reduce the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or C.T.E., a degenerative disease associated with repeated head trauma.
The devices were first introduced to the team in a small randomized trial in 2021. Researchers reported signs of reduced brain inflammation among players who used them over the season, prompting the university to order more headsets.
Near-infrared light is one of several approaches scientists are studying for C.T.E. Research teams are also examining the gut microbiome, vagus nerve stimulation, psychedelic experiences and drugs that could reduce inflammation in the brain.
The work comes amid growing concern about the long-term brain health of athletes in contact sports. A study published on Wednesday used a statistical model to estimate that three in four former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 most likely had signs of C.T.E. in their brains at death.
Sources: The New York Times Health.