Can Photobiomodulation improve healing of category II-III pressure ulcers in frail older adults? A quasi-experimental 24-month follow-up study

Background

Frail older adults are particularly susceptible to pressure ulcer development due to complex health conditions and functional decline. Pressure ulcers category II and III involve partial- and full-thickness skin loss, and current treatment options often yield suboptimal outcomes. The study evaluated the effects of adjunctive photobiomodulation compared with standard-of-care in frail older adults, with category II and III pressure ulcers. The objectives were to assess: 1) ulcer healing 2) healing time; 3) factors associated with healing, and 4) ulcer recurrence following photobiomodulation.