Bright light therapy as a non-pharmacological treatment option for multiple sclerosis-related fatigue: A randomized sham-controlled trial

Abstract

Background Fatigue is a common symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) that significantly impairs quality of life. Bright light therapy may be a cheap treatment option with little to no adverse events. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of bright light therapy as a treatment option for MS-related fatigue. Methods This was randomized sham-controlled trial including 26 pwMS with a Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) Score ≥36. Participants were assigned to receive either bright white light therapy ( n = 13) or dim red light (sham-intervention; n = 13). Participants used the respective intervention for 30 min each morning for two weeks, followed by a two-week washout period. The primary endpoint was the difference in FSS scores following light treatment as calculated by analysis of covariance. Results There was no significant difference in FSS (F(1,23) = 2.39, p = .136, partial ⴄ2 = .094). However, FSS scores generally improved over the course of the study in a clinically relevant manner. Conclusion Bright light therapy decreased FSS scores over the course of this study. However, this effect was not significant in comparison to a sham intervention.

Neuron Foundry Mach 8: A Concept of Multi-modal Neuro-supportive Energy Therapy Device for Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…The comprehensive analysis of Table 3 enables a thorough discussion of the potential effects of various interventions on the clinical manifestations of these diseases. Red light therapy has shown promise in reducing fatigue severity in MS patients, with studies by [133] and [134] reporting improvements of 11.88% and 8.68%, respectively. Frequency-specific microcurrent therapy has demonstrated significant effects in reducing pain and disability in MS, with [135] reporting impressive improvements of 81.35% in pain reduction and 62.02% in reducing disability.…”

Multiple sclerosis and circadian rhythms: Can diet act as a treatment?

“…Both studies revealed an improvement in fatigue scores after light therapy. However, neither of the studies revealed a significant treatment effect of bright white light when compared to sham therapy with dim red light 126,127 . Although both studies feature low sample sizes and did not investigate the effects of light therapy on circadian rhythmicity in MS, their results indicate that the effectiveness of light therapy might be limited in MS, potentially as a consequence of retino‐hypothalamic tract impairment.…”

“…Two studies investigated the effect of bright white light therapy for treating fatigue in pwMS. 126,127 Both studies revealed an improvement in fatigue scores after light therapy. However, neither of the studies revealed a significant treatment effect of bright white light when compared to sham therapy with dim red light.…”

“…However, neither of the studies revealed a significant treatment effect of bright white light when compared to sham therapy with dim red light. 126,127 Although both studies feature low sample sizes and did not investigate the effects of light therapy on circadian rhythmicity in MS, their results indicate that the effectiveness of light therapy might be limited in MS, potentially as a consequence of retino-hypothalamic tract impairment. External stimuli mainly affecting the peripheral clock instead of the master clock, e.g., chrononutritional tools, might be more effective than light in treating pwMS.…”

“…Because of the presumably impaired retino‐hypothalamic tract integrity in MS patients, the responsiveness of the master clock to light in these subjects might be disturbed. Two studies investigated the effect of bright white light therapy for treating fatigue in pwMS 126,127 . Both studies revealed an improvement in fatigue scores after light therapy.…”