Table 5.
List of open-ended comments/changes noticed by participants outside the laboratory setting, during or after the study.
| No. of participants commenting in each category | Participant description of reported change | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| A) Real LED treatment series | |||
| Increased concentration | 4 | At work; at home; for everyday activities | |
| Increased relaxation | 4 | ||
| Improved sleep | 3 | Described as more, restful, better, good | |
| “Helped/better” but could not elaborate | 3 | “Happy with treatment” | |
| Increased work or social activity | 2 | Both participants report being previously withdrawn or not motivated. One returned to college, finished degree; then hired in new, Executive level position with a State Veterans Organization. One started group PTSD therapy, wellness and yoga, and felt he was able to be more social | |
| Tests/activities easier | 2 | ||
| Decreased pain | 2 | Both decreased joint/muscle pain | |
| Decrease in migraines | 2 | Both diagnosed with history of cluster migraines; these completely disappeared | |
| Improved gastro-intestinal problems | 1 | No longer stopped to use the bathroom several times on trip home | |
| Improved cognition | 1 | ||
| Decreased nightmares | 1 | Patient decided to reduce medications for nightmares/sleep (but this resulted in increased emotional lability); same participant as below | |
| Increased emotional lability | 1 | Occurred for about 2 weeks after reduction in nightmare medications | |
| Decreased anxiety | 1 | ||
| B) Sham LED treatment series | |||
| Increased activity | 1 | ||
| Increased concentration | 1 | ||
| Improved memory | 1 | Memory seems better | |
| Improved focus | 1 | ||
| Worse sleep | 1 | ||
| Increased wakefulness | 1 | Attributed to naps during treatment | |
A total of 10/48 participants offered comments as categorized here.