Clinical Effect of Photobiomodulation on Wound Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review

This systematic review evaluated the clinical effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The authors analyzed multiple clinical trials to determine whether PBM, used alongside conventional wound care, improves healing outcomes in patients with chronic diabetic ulcers.

The review found that PBM generally enhanced wound healing rates, reduced wound size, and improved tissue repair compared with standard treatment alone. PBM’s therapeutic effects were linked to improved cellular metabolism, stimulation of tissue regeneration, increased microcirculation, reduced inflammation, and better collagen formation.

The paper also emphasized that PBM is a non-invasive, painless adjunct therapy, but outcomes varied depending on treatment parameters such as wavelength, energy dose, duration, and treatment frequency. The authors noted that while results were promising, more large-scale, standardized clinical trials are needed to strengthen evidence and establish consistent treatment protocols.

Key takeaway: PBM appears to be a promising supportive therapy for improving diabetic foot ulcer healing when combined with conventional care, but standardized treatment guidelines and further research are still needed.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9789897/