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Blue Light Therapy for Rib Fractures (BLAASTT Trial)

N/A
Waitlist Available
Research Sponsored by Rebecca E Kotcher, MD
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Pain related to rib fracture(s), scoring greater than or equal to 4/10 on NRS with incentive spirometer use at the time of informed consent
Anticipated length of stay greater than or equal to 48 hours
Must not have
Ocular trauma, which may interfere with the mechanism of action
Splenectomy upon admission or history of splenectomy, which may interfere with the mechanism of action
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up up to 72 hours (calculated daily)
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to see if using bright blue light therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation in adults with painful rib fractures. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive bright blue light therapy, bright white light therapy

Who is the study for?
Adults with painful rib fractures may join this trial. They must be hospitalized and willing to undergo light therapy alongside standard pain treatments. However, individuals who might experience confusion (delirium) due to hospitalization or have conditions that could interfere with the study are not eligible.
What is being tested?
The trial is testing if bright blue light can reduce pain and inflammation when added to regular pain management for rib fracture patients. It compares blue light, white light, and usual lighting over three days, measuring pain levels, delirium signs, heart rate changes, and blood markers of inflammation.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects from the light therapies are not detailed in the provided information but may include discomfort or eye strain from bright lights. Standard pain control treatments will carry their typical risk of side effects.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I experience pain from rib fractures that scores 4 or more out of 10 when I breathe deeply.
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I expect to be hospitalized for at least 48 hours.
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I was admitted to a specific hospital within 24 hours of my injury.
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I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have had an eye injury that could affect treatment.
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I have had my spleen removed.
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I have needed a machine to help me breathe before giving my consent.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~up to 72 hours (calculated daily)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 72 hours (calculated daily) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Chest wall pain intensity, with incentive spirometer use
Secondary study objectives
Chest wall pain intensity, at rest
Hospital-free days
IL-10 concentration
+7 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Usual Ambient LightExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants assigned to the usual light arm will be exposed only to the usual lighting conditions of the hospital ward.
Group II: Bright Blue LightExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
The light therapy lamp will be covered with a filter selecting for short wavelength blue light (peak 442 nm, intensity \~1400 lux).
Group III: Bright Full-Spectrum (White) LightActive Control2 Interventions
The light therapy lamp will be covered with a filter modifying only the light's intensity (\~1400 lux).

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Rebecca E Kotcher, MDLead Sponsor
National Institutes of Health (NIH)NIH
2,804 Previous Clinical Trials
8,149,183 Total Patients Enrolled
3 Trials studying Acute Pain
106 Patients Enrolled for Acute Pain
~50 spots leftby Dec 2025
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