VYLE · RESEARCH LIBRARY
Photobiomodulation & exercise recovery
Light, training and the time you set aside to unwind.
What the research explores
Exercise studies measure outcomes such as muscle soreness, strength after exercise and markers of muscle damage. The findings depend on the equipment, light dose, area exposed and timing. Exposure before exercise, exposure after exercise and exercising while on a light mat are different uses.
Pre-exercise light: a 2025 review
Across the three recovery approaches reviewed, 19 trials involved 672 participants. The photobiomodulation analysis suggested reduced soreness with light applied before exercise; certainty was rated low. This result does not determine the best timing or settings for a full-body mat.
Read the original publication on PubMed · DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.06.021.
Targeted infrared light: a positive trial
In 28 high-level football players, researchers applied an 810 nm laser to specific thigh sites before an eccentric exercise protocol. Certain tested power settings improved strength recovery and reduced reported soreness and selected blood markers. The equipment and targeted exposure differed from a 660/850 nm LED mat, so its dose and results cannot be transferred directly.
Read the original trial on PubMed · DOI: 10.1089/pho.2017.4343.
660/850 nm LEDs and running
Thirty untrained men completed eight weeks of running training. The active group received targeted 660 nm and 850 nm LED exposure before sessions. Although the authors explored potentially favourable effects, the study found no statistically significant difference between the active and placebo groups. Matching wavelengths alone does not establish the same effect across devices.
Read the original trial on PubMed · DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00211.
What about whole-body light?
This review identified five whole-body studies involving 105 physically active participants. It found no demonstrated benefit for exercise performance or fatigue biomarkers in the included studies. Some sleep-related findings were favourable, but further research was needed. The review does not justify a promise of faster whole-body recovery or better athletic performance.
Read the review on PubMed · DOI: 10.1007/s10103-025-04318-w.
Using AURA around your routine
AURA offers a full-body, lying-down light experience that can sit alongside an active lifestyle. Use the supplied manual for positioning, session duration and settings. Only perform movements explicitly permitted for this model; research into light around exercise is not evidence that training directly on a powered mat adds a benefit.
Research credit belongs to the named authors and publications. These summaries describe the actual study methods and findings.