JOURNAL OF IIMER May 2026 They were asked to use the lamp for 2 minutes each morning, between 9am and 11am, for two weeks. After this two-week period, the same assessments were repeated to see whether there were any changes in symptoms. Participants were also asked to share feedback about their experience of taking part. What did participants tell us? Of the 26 people who started the study, 20 completed all aspects of it. The early findings show that most participants found the red light therapy easy to use: • 86% were able to set up and use the lamp on their own • All participants said they would be willing to use the lamp again • Around 14% said they would prefer a different time schedule More than half of participants found it difficult to use the lamp between 9am and 11am. Despite this, participants showed remarkable commitment, with everyone using the lamp for at least 12 out of the 14 recommended days. The therapy also appeared to be safe. Only one participant reported a mild reaction to the light. Feedback on study assessments Most people (86%) were able to wear the activity monitor for the full seven days. However, eight participants reported discomfort from the wrist strap, and some experienced worsening of eczema. As a result, the research team is now exploring more comfortable strap options for future studies. Participants were also asked to complete up to six cognitive tests in one sitting. Nearly everyone completed all the tests, but about one-third reported a temporary worsening of symptoms afterwards. This feedback is important and will help shape how assessments are designed in future research. What happens next? The research team is now carrying out the next stage of analysis. This includes working with a statistical expert to combine information from multiple sources, such as questionnaires, activity monitoring, sleep diaries, and cognitive tests, to explore whether red light therapy may provide any measurable benefits for people with ME. The team hope to have results ready by the autumn and they look forward to sharing further updates with you then. Sharing the research We are also pleased to share that Katharine presented the preliminary findings from this study at the Young EMERG Workshop in Vienna in November 2025. Her work was very well received, and she was awarded first place in the poster presentation competition – a fantastic achievement and recognition of the importance of this research. Invest in ME Research Page 8 of 35
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