CSSince 2020, we have been working on the development and verification of the effect of phototherapeutic aids within the framework of a grant project of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. They are based on our unique LED technology with a balanced spectral composition close to natural sunlight. For this project, we are collaborating with the University Centre for Energy Efficient Building of the Czech Technical University (CTU) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The project is scheduled to conclude at the end of this year.
Since the start of the project in 2020, three functional prototypes have been designed and continuously developed, namely a light sauna, pillar lamp and suitcase. “Our goal is to create products with a high phototherapeutic effect that will support and provide relief for patients with affective disorders such as seasonal depression, bipolar affective disorder and many other applications in psychiatric care. But not only that, thanks to many years of close cooperation in an interdisciplinary team of architects, lighting engineers, designers, engineers and physiologists, these products are also user-friendly, interesting in design and functional in the long term,” explains Lenka Maierová, a researcher at CTU.
Since last year, the benefits of this prototype series have been tested directly with people suffering from various psychological disorders. Testing is conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and the feedback that the research team receives through long-term testing is used to optimise the parameters of the light intervention, ensuring high efficiency and maximum comfort during its use. The NIMH scientific team is also developing a methodology for the application of phototherapeutic aids for physicians using phototherapy in the treatment and prevention of mental disorders. “Our pilot data suggest that exposure to light in a light sauna could have a positive effect on circadian rhythm stability, mood and sleep. However, the studies are still ongoing and the final results will not be known until the end of 2023,” comments Jana Kopřivová, head of the Centre for Sleep Research and Chronobiology at the NIMH.
Light sauna
It is a mobile pavilion for up to 6 people, equipped with Spectrasol Therapeutic full-spectrum light and designed to stabilise circadian rhythms, promote mental health and performance. A mobile alternative is the portable light case, which helps patients transition from clinical care to everyday life by allowing them to continue phototherapy in their home environment.
Pillar lamp light
A light fixture in the form of a floor-standing lamp that serves mainly as prevention at home. “During the day and night, the lamp automatically changes spatial distribution, tonality and spectral composition of the emitted light as would natural sunlight. This lighting can thus effectively support the stabilisation of circadian rhythms in the body, which has a positive effect on the mental and physical health and vitality of a person,” says Daniel Jesenský, Executive Director of Spectrasol.
Several medical institutions have already expressed interest in the aids, including the General University Hospital Prague. “We are pleased that our patented light sources will be able to help not only in the interiors of, for example, schools and offices, where they support daily mental activity, overall health and mood of users, but also in the treatment and prevention of mental illnesses,” says Hynek Medřický, the originator of the applied patented technology and technology director of Spectrasol.
Light suitcase and pillar lamp light.
The project is supported by a grant from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the TREND programme. It will be of great benefit to us and to users if it becomes possible to certify these devices as medical devices, which will allow for the treatment of patients to be financed by health insurance companies. We are preparing the application for certification after verification of effectiveness and completion of the project at the end of 2023.