Effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy for nipple pain or nipple trauma in lactating women: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this protocol is to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy for the treatment of nipple pain or nipple trauma in women during the breastfeeding period.

Introduction: One approach that has been reported on the management of nipple pain or nipple trauma in lactating women is the use photobiomodulation therapy to heal the injury or to decrease pain intensity. However, studies have achieved different results, due to variations in the treatment protocol, such as the source of light used, the application mode, the irradiation, or the light dose parameters, leading to varying outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria: This review will consider studies that evaluate photobiomodulation therapy for the treatment of nipple pain or nipple trauma in lactating women in the postpartum period that compare the intervention to standard care, placebo, or other type of treatment. The following outcomes will be considered: intensity of nipple pain, healing of nipple trauma, exclusive breastfeeding rate, quality of life, and satisfaction of the women with treatment. There will be no publication time limit, and studies published in any language will be considered for inclusion.

Methods: This review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. The search strategy will search both published and unpublished studies, and the process of study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis will be performed in accordance to the JBI approach.

Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO CRD42019147401.