The Equine LTS, has its foundation in the NASA LED research. The evolution within Light Emitting Diode (LED), has been exponential since 2002. The Equine LTS is using LED Chips, not the old fashioned light emitting diode bulbs, for a more stream lined look and 120 degrees light. The LED chips is mounted on a flexible strip, pre-wired with resistors and coated with a water resistant silicon top, to maintain durability and easy cleaning. The LED strips are powered by a 12V rechargeable battery.
The wavelength of the LED’s used in the LTS range from 450-900nm specifically blue light with 450nm, deep red 660nm and near infrared light 850nm. According to studies done by H. Wheeler et. al. these are the weave length which has the greatest effect on the living tissue.
Background History
Much has happened with laser technology, since the discovery of the positive effect of laser light, within specific weave length, by E. Mester, B. Szende and P. Gartner in 1986. The real breakthrough however did not occur until 1998, where a research team headed by Dr Wheeler et. al. During their research into growing plants in microgravity for NASA Advanced Life Support. Discovered that laser light in the range of blue and red, promoted growth in plants while in space, and build a portable Low Level Laser (LLL) unit. The Grow Lights consist of light emitting diodes (LED), and were taken into space to grow plants in microgravity.
One of the major problems, having humans in microgravity during long periods of time, has always been, that the human body do not heal or heal extremely slow, while in microgravity. Wounds and injures, sustained in outer space, only heals after the astronauts’ returns back to earth. This had NASA worried, since even small injuries could be potentially fatal, if the astronaut was not promptly return to earth, thereby jeopardizing long term space missions.
Soon it became apparent, that the astronauts tending the vegetables and plants in the grow lights, while in microgravity, healed faster. This launched the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center research, into the effect of LLL on living tissue. Especially lights with wavelengths within the range of 450-900nm. In 2002 Harry T Wheelan et. al. published their findings, which would become known as the NASA LED's.
Photon Energy
As light goes from one energy level, to a lower energy level, a photon is released. The released photon, from light within the specific weave lengths of 450nm,660nm and 850nm are then absorbed by the mitochondria. The mitochondria is the power plant of the cells, it's here the ATP (energy) is produced. The photon stimulates the energy being metabolized, in the muscles and the bones, along with the epidermis. The LED treatment promotes accelerated normal healing and regeneration of the tissue. But will not produce overgrowth or neoplastic transformation in the tissue. Thereby shortening the duration of recovery after an injury, by promotion accelerated healing in the tissue, reducing pain and inflammation in soft tissue and joints.
Blue Light
The photons of blue light with a wavelength of 450nm, will penetrate the surface of the epidermis by 0.3mm. Already being used by numerous companies, for the treatment of acne, reduction of scares, promoting hair growth for the prevention of hair loss, and rejuvenation of the epidermis. Along with promoting rapid healing of a diabetic leg wound, with very good results.
Red Light
The deep red light, with a wavelength of 660nm. Will pass the epidermis and into the underlying muscles and ligaments, with as much as 23cm. Delivering the photon energy, to increase cell growth with as much as 140-200%, thereby decreasing wound size with more than 36%. The Improvement of musculoskeletal was greater than 40%, in injured Navy SEAL team members. Along with a 47% reduction of pain, in children with oral mucositis. Additionally the anti-inflammatory effects in wounds, muscles and joints of red LED's with a wavelength of 660nm, has been well documented.
Infrared and near-infrared light
Infrared (IR) light and near-infrared light with a wavelength of 780nm - 900nm is close to invisible to the human eye. IR light penetrates the deepest into soft tissue and bones and has been proven in numerous researches to lessen skeletal muscle fatigue in humans, along with shorten the recovery time after strenuous exercise.
Both acute and sub-acute wounds in various stages of edema and degrees of infection, shows accelerated healing, when being treated daily with near-IR LED's on the afflicted area, along with a reduction of pain after the first or second treatment, without any side effects from the treatment and very little scar tissue after the wounds has healed up.