Bright Green Light Therapy for Postoperative Pain
(GLOW Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether bright green light therapy can reduce pain after surgery. Researchers aim to determine if this light can also improve other recovery aspects, such as sleep and mood, while potentially reducing the need for pain medication. Participants will receive either bright green light or dim white light for comparison. This trial may suit those planning laparoscopic or robotic surgery at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, with an expected hospital stay of at least two days afterward. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative recovery methods that could enhance the post-surgery experience.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that bright green light therapy is safe for postoperative patients?
Research has shown that bright green light therapy is generally safe. Studies have found that this light can reduce pain in conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia without major side effects. One study showed that green light boosted the body's natural pain relievers and lowered inflammation in the nervous system.
Participants reported better sleep, mood, and overall recovery after using green light therapy. Importantly, no serious negative effects have been reported. This suggests that bright green light therapy is well-tolerated and safe for use after surgery.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Bright Green Light Therapy for postoperative pain is unique because it uses light exposure as a non-drug approach to manage pain. Unlike traditional pain relief methods that often rely on medications like opioids or NSAIDs, which can have significant side effects, this therapy employs bright green light to potentially ease pain with minimal risk. Researchers are excited because this method targets the body's response to light, which might provide a safer and more natural alternative to managing pain after surgery. Additionally, the therapy is administered through a convenient, non-invasive light lamp, offering a novel way to potentially reduce pain and improve recovery times in a hospital setting.
What evidence suggests that bright green light therapy might be an effective treatment for postoperative pain?
Research shows that bright green light therapy, which participants in this trial may receive, might help reduce pain after surgery. Some studies have found that this light can boost the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, called opioids. Other research suggests that green light might also decrease swelling, aiding in pain relief. Additionally, green light therapy has been linked to better sleep and improved mood, both important for recovery. However, some studies indicate that intense light therapy doesn't always help with pain and might even worsen it. While the results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Participants in this trial will be randomized to receive either bright green light therapy or dim white light exposure as a comparator.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Rebecca Kotcher, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh, UPMC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients recovering from surgery who are experiencing postoperative pain. It aims to see if bright green light therapy can help reduce pain and improve recovery compared to dim white light. Participants must be adults undergoing surgery at UPMC Shadyside, but specific inclusion and exclusion criteria details were not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either bright green light or dim white light therapy for 4 hours daily for up to three days post-operatively while in the hospital
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for pain intensity, sleep disturbance, opioid requirements, depression, anxiety, and overall quality of post-operative recovery
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Bright Green Light Therapy
Trial Overview
The study compares the effects of bright green light therapy with dim white (ambient) light on post-surgery recovery. It's an unblinded trial, meaning participants know which treatment they're getting, and it randomly assigns them to one of the two groups.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Subjects randomized to this group will be exposed to bright green light via the Day Light Classic Plus light therapy lamp fitted with an appropriate color filter. The light will be administered for 4 hours daily for up to three days post-operatively while the subject is in the hospital.
Subjects randomized to this group will be exposed to dim white light via the Day Light Classic Plus light therapy lamp fitted with an appropriate color filter. The light will be administered for 4 hours daily for up to three days post-operatively while the subject is in the hospital.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rebecca E Kotcher, MD
Lead Sponsor
Citations
NCT07218289 | Green Light for Post-Operative Wellness
Light therapy after surgery may reduce pain and pain medication requirements, and it may improve sleep, mood, and overall post-surgery recovery.
Green Light Exposure Elicits Anti-inflammation ...
We showed that green light increases endogenous opioid levels while lessening synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation.
3.
centerwatch.com
centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT03674697/the-effect-of-light-therapy-on-post-surgical-pain?phase=3&gender=Both&page=7&state=AZ&city=TucsonThe Effect of Light Therapy on Post-Surgical Pain
The second aspect is to reduce postoperative pain by 30%, improve preoperative anxiety by 30%, and improve the quality of sleep pre and ...
Looking for a Beam of Light to Heal Chronic Pain - PMC
On the contrary, various studies have confirmed that short-term intense light therapy has no analgesic effects, but aggravates pain., In summary ...
5.
journals.lww.com
journals.lww.com/pain/fulltext/2025/06000/visual_exposure_to_green_light_therapy_reduces.8.aspxVisual exposure to green light therapy reduces knee joint...
Visual exposure to dim, green, light has been found to reduce pain levels in patients living with migraine, low back pain, and fibromyalgia.
Bright Green Light Therapy for Postoperative Pain · Info ...
Hypothesis 2: Participants exposed to bright green light, in comparison to dim white (ambient) light, will have improved quality of post-operative recovery, ...
Mechanisms and Pathways of Pain Photobiomodulation
Interestingly visual exposure to green light can result in reduction in pain in variety of pain conditions such as migraine and fibromyalgia. Cutaneous ...
8.
app.trialscreen.org
app.trialscreen.org/trials/green-light-post-operative-wellness-trial-nct07218289Green Light for Post-Operative Wellness
Participants may experience reduced pain, better sleep, improved mood, and faster overall recovery. They may also need less pain medication during their ...
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