Effect of transcranial photobiomodulation on electrophysiological activity of brain in healthy individuals: A scoping review

Background objective: Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a safe and non-invasive treatment that has recently emerged as an effective technique to apply near-infrared or red light to activate neural tissues. The objective is to review the literature on the effect of tPBM on electrophysiological activity in healthy individuals. Methods: Literature was searched through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Ovid for transcranial photobiomodulation therapy in healthy individuals age group 18–80 years of either gender having electroencephalography as an outcome. Critical appraisal of included Randomized Controlled Trials and non-randomized experimental studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Results: A database search yielded a total of 4156 results. After eliminating 2626 duplicates, 1530 records were left. 32 articles were considered for full-text screening after 1498 records were excluded through title and abstract screening. 10 articles were included in this review. tPBM has been found to increase the higher electrophysiological oscillations and there is inconclusive evidence targeting the lower oscillatory electrophysiological frequencies. Conclusion: Transcranial photobiomodulation can have promising effects on the electrophysiological activity of the brain in healthy individuals.