Bioceramic fabrics improve quiet standing posture and handstand stability in expert gymnasts

Preliminary Assessment of the Acute Effects of Far Infrared-Emitting Garments: What Are the Possible Implications for Recovery and Performance?

Technical clothing has recently been brought into the spotlight as one of the most promising tools to improve sports performance and to enhance sports recovery. Among technical clothing items, garments engineered to emit far infrared (FIR) spectrum frequencies have come to the fore as a treatment for pain, muscle fatigue, and tissue healing due to their potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, with applications not only during recovery phases but also in the active phases of exercise. These garments, composed of fibers mixed with noble metals and/or bioceramics that respond to body infrared frequencies by returning an FIR emission backwards, are thought to improve muscle oxygenation and therefore recovery. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, ten male trail running athletes wore a whole-body-covering suit marketed as Accapì-FIR (Bruno Chiaruttini S.r.l., Rezzato, BS, Italy), while a total body suit with the same polyester fiber without metal components was used as control for the intervention. Parameters such as weight, height, bioimpedance parameters (BIVA), lactate from capillary sampling, salivary cortisol, and average temperatures of different body areas were obtained before and after a twelve-minute incremental work run protocol on a treadmill whilst wearing the two kinds of garment. Using the intervention suit, compared to control, statistically significant reductions in BIVA parameters such as body resistance (-6.7%) and reactance (-5.4%) were observed before and after exercise while a greater, but not significant, weight reduction was observed with the intervention suit. Decrease in resistance could be the result of a different distribution of fluids and ions due to FIR influence on capillary and superficial circulation, leading ultimately to more efficient management of body heat and promoting recovery and supercompensation. Further studies on larger samples will be necessary to confirm and clarify these results.

Titanium and Silicon Dioxide-Coated Fabrics for Management and Tuning of Infrared Radiation

Far infrared radiation (FIR) is emitted by every body at a given temperature, including the human body. FIR ranging between 4–14 μm is considered useful for cell growth, and the human body emits a maximum of infrared (IR) radiation at the wavelength of approximately 9.3 µm. In the present study, fabrics based on five different raw textiles having the same yarn count as well as the same weaving patterns were designed and created. Some of them were subjected to a coating process. The fabrics to be tested were as follows: coated with TiO₂ nanoparticles, coated with SiO₂ nanoparticles, coated fabric that does not contain bioceramic nanoparticle (BNFC), and non-coated fabrics (NCF). The structural characterization of the resulting samples was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), abrasion tests, and air permeability. Following the structural characterization, the infrared emissivity properties were investigated using infrared thermography as well as attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the 8–14 IR range. According to the experimental findings, the fabrics coated with TiO₂ and SiO₂ displayed increased infrared emissivity values compared to the uncoated ones. In addition, it was observed that the use of bioceramic powders had no effect on air permeability and abrasion properties.

Thermal Comfort and Electrostatic Properties of Socks Containing Fibers with Bio-Ceramic, Silver and Carbon Additives

Socks are an important part of our clothing used in everyday activities. In order to ensure thermal comfort during wear in cool outdoor or indoor conditions, and for health improvement, socks must have effective thermoregulation properties. Chemical far-infrared (FIR) fibers with different bio-ceramic compounds incorporated into socks’ structures can provide an improved thermoregulation effect to the wearer of the socks. Fibers with silver and carbon additives incorporated in their structures can also affect the thermoregulation properties of socks. Moreover, these conductive additives avoid the unpleasant effect of static electricity of socks. The main parts of the different investigated structures of the socks were made in a plush pattern. The plush loops were formed by using functional Resistex® Bioceramic, Shieldex® and two modifications of Nega-Stat® fiber yarns. The main thermal comfort (thermal efficiency, microclimate and heat exchange temperatures, thermal resistance, water vapor permeability) and electrostatic (surface and vertical resistances, shielding factor, half time decay of charge) properties of the socks were investigated. Based on the obtained results of the thermal comfort and electrostatic characteristics of the different investigated structures of socks, the optimal static dissipative (half-time decay <0.01 s, shielding factor—0.96) plush knitting structure with 55% Resistex® Bioceramic and 31% bicomponent Nega-Stat® P210 fibers yarns was selected. Comparing the control sample without FIR and the knitted structure with conductive additives, we can draw the conclusion that the heat retention capability of the selected socks was improved by 1.5 °C and the temperature of their created microclimate was improved by 2 °C.

Post-Match Recovery in Soccer with Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Material or Cold-Water Immersion

We investigated the effects of two common recovery methods; far-infrared emitting ceramic materials (Bioceramic) or cold-water immersion on muscular function and damage after a soccer match. Twenty-five university-level soccer players were randomized into Bioceramic (BIO; n = 8), Cold-water immersion (CWI; n = 9), or Control (CON; n = 8) groups. Heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and activity profile through Global Positioning Satellite Systems were measured during the match. Biochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive species [TBARS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), neuromuscular (countermovement [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ], sprints [20-m]), and perceptual markers (delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS], and the perceived recovery scale [PRS]) were assessed at pre, post, 24 h, and 48 h post-match. One-way ANOVA was used to compare anthropometric and match performance data. A two-way ANOVA with post-hoc tests compared the timeline of recovery measures. No significant differences existed between groups for anthropometric or match load measures (P > 0.05). Significant post-match increases were observed in SOD, and decreases in TBARS in all groups (p < 0.05), without differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Significant increases in CK, LDH, quadriceps and hamstring DOMS (p < 0.05), as well as decreases in 20-m, SJ, CMJ, and PRS were observed post-match in all groups (p < 0.05), without significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Despite the expected post-match muscle damage and impaired performance, neither Bioceramic nor CWI interventions improved post-match recovery.

Utilisation of far infrared-emitting garments for optimising performance and recovery in sport: Real potential or new fad? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Thanks to the specific materials they embed, far infrared (FIR)-emitting garments can interact with the body's physiological functions. Such effects have been sought in medicine and physiotherapy for a long time for the treatment/relief of a variety of pathologies and disabling conditions. Recently, FIR-emitting garments have been introduced in the sporting domain under the influence of manufacturers seeing here a new opportunity to support physical performance in athletes, though this is not clearly established. To fill this gap, in this systematic review, we summarize the scientific evidence on the use of FIR-emitting garments in sport and provide directions for future research by shedding light on current scientific limitations.

METHOD

Five scientific databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Scopus and SPORTDiscus) were searched by two independent reviewers. Studies investigating the effects of FIR-emitting garments on at least one physiological outcome related to exercise performance and/or recovery in humans were selected. The methodological quality of retained studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Studies investigating similar outcomes related to exercise performance or recovery were scarce and results inconclusive, which prevents from drawing firm conclusion about the utilisation of FIR-emitting garments in athletes. However, these early results show that FIR-emitting garments may be of interest for exercise performance and recovery, mainly through their effects on the body's thermoregulation and haemodynamic function. The summary provided in this review can be used to inform the design of future studies. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021238029).

Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials on Recovery During 2-Week Preseason of Elite Futsal Players

Nunes, RFH, Cidral-Filho, FJ, Flores, LJF, Nakamura, FY, Rodriguez, HFM, Bobinski, F, De Sousa, A, Petronilho, F, Danielski, LG, Martins, MM, Martins, DF, and Guglielmo, LGA. Effects of far-infrared emitting ceramic materials on recovery during 2-week preseason of elite futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 235-248, 2020-We investigated the effects of far-infrared emitting ceramic materials (cFIR) during overnight sleep on neuromuscular, biochemical and perceptual markers in futsal players. Twenty athletes performed a 2-week preseason training program and during sleep wore bioceramic (BIO; n = 10) or placebo pants (PL; n = 10). Performance (countermovement jump [CMJ]; squat jump [SJ]; sprints 5, 10, and 15-m) and biochemical markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha-TNF-α, interleukin 10-IL-10, thiobarbituric acid-reactive species [TBARS], carbonyl, superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]) were obtained at baseline and after the 1st and 2nd week of training. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and training strain were monitored throughout. Changes in ΔCMJ and ΔSJ were possibly (60/36/4 [week-1]) and likely (76/22/2 [week-2]) higher in BIO. Both groups were faster in 5-m sprint in week 2 compared with baseline (p = 0.015), furthermore, BIO was likely faster in 10-m sprint (3/25/72 [week 1]). Significant group × time interaction in %ΔTNF-α were observed (p = 0.024 [week-1]; p = 0.021 [week-2]) with values possibly (53/44/3 [week 1]) and likely (80/19/1 [week 2]) higher in BIO. The %ΔIL-10 decreased across weeks compared with baseline (p = 0.019 [week-1]; p = 0.026 [week-2]), showing values likely higher in BIO (81/16/3 [week-1]; 80/17/3 [week-2]). Significant weekly increases in %ΔTBARS (p = 0.001 [week-1]; p = 0.011 [week-2]) and %ΔCarbonyl (p = 0.002 [week-1]; p < 0.001 [week-2]) were observed compared with baseline, showing likely (91/5/4 [week-1]) and possibly (68/30/2 [week-2]) higher changes in BIO. Significant weekly decreases in %ΔSOD were observed compared with baseline (p = 0.046 [week 1]; p = 0.011 [week-2]), and between week 2 and week 1 (p = 0.021), in addition to significant decreases in %ΔCAT compared with baseline (p = 0.070 [week 1]; p = 0.012 [week 2]). Training strain (p = 0.021; very -likely [0/2/98]; week 1) and DOMS was lower in BIO (likely; 7 sessions) with differences over time (p = 0.001). The results suggest that the daily use of cFIR clothing could facilitate recovery, especially on perceptual markers during the early phases of an intensive training period.

Antiedematous Effect Promoted by Occlusion of Legs with Compressive Socks Containing Infrared-Emitting Ceramic Particulates

Background: Published literature reports significant improvements in pathological conditions, such as pain, blood dyscrasias, and cellulite, after using topical occlusive accessories containing particulate ceramic materials. Objective: In this study, we investigated whether the use of a topical occluding garment made with synthetic fibers embedded with powdered ceramic materials could be beneficial to patients suffering from edema of lower limb extremities. Materials and methods: The cohort comprised 30 volunteers of both genders who were divided into two study groups. The bioceramic (BC) group wore compressive socks made of fabrics with embedded ceramic powder for 8 h a day for 28 days. The placebo group wore compressive socks of the same material without ceramic powder. The efficacy of the treatment was quantified through weekly plethysmographic measurements. In addition, pain relief was evaluated through a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Data showed a statistically significant reduction in the edema volume for the BC group compared with the placebo group: 78.9 ± 10.7 mL versus 41.3 ± 5.6 mL, p = 0.003. Further, there was also greater pain relief for the BC group when compared with the placebo group, with a pain decrease of 7.0 ± 0.2 U versus 3.3 ± 0.2 U, respectively, on the VAS from 0 to 10 (p = 0.024). Conclusions: The topical occlusive therapy with compressive socks containing infrared-emitting ceramic particulate in its fabrics showed that they were more beneficial than the placebo garment in the treatment of edema of the inferior member extremities as well as in relief of associated pain.

Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Material Clothing on Recovery after Maximal Eccentric Exercise

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials worn as Bioceramic pants would improve neuromuscular performance, biochemical and perceptual markers in healthy individuals after maximal eccentric exercise. Twenty-two moderately active men were randomized into Bioceramic (n = 11) or Placebo (n = 11) groups. To induce muscle damage, three sets of 30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the quadriceps were performed at 60°·s^-1. Participants wore the bioceramic or placebo pants for 2 hours immediately following the protocol, and then again for 2 hours prior to each subsequent testing session at 24, 48 and 72 hours post. Plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, delayed-onset muscle soreness, perceived recovery status, and maximal voluntary contraction were measured pre-exercise and 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Eccentric exercise induced muscle damage as evident in significant increases in delayed-onset muscle soreness at 24 - 72 hours (p < 0.05) and creatine kinase between Pre to 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours (p < 0.05). Despite the increased delayed-onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase values, no effect of Bioceramic was evident (p > 0.05). Furthermore, decreases in maximal voluntary contraction between Pre and immediately, 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours post (p < 0.05) were reported. However, the standardized difference was moderate lower for lactate dehydrogenase at 24 h (ES = 0.50), but higher at 48 h (ES = -0.58) in the Bioceramic compared to the Placebo group. Despite inducing muscle damage, the daily use of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials clothing over 72 hours did not facilitate recovery after maximal eccentric exercise.

Far infrared-emitting ceramics decrease Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia in mice through cytokine modulation and activation of peripheral inhibitory neuroreceptors

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of far infrared-emitting ceramics (cFIRs) in a model of persistent inflammatory hyperalgesia and to elucidate the possible mechanisms of these effects.

METHODS

Mice were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and treated with cFIRs via placement on a pad impregnated with cFIRs on the bottom of the housing unit for different periods of time. Mice underwent mechanical hyperalgesia and edema assessments, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-10 levels were measured. Twenty-four hours after CFA injection and 30 min before cFIR treatment, mice were pretreated with a nonselective adenosinergic antagonist, caffeine, the selective adenosine receptor A₁ antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), the selective cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist, AM281, the selective cannabinoid receptor type 2 antagonist, AM630, or the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, and mechanical hyperalgesia was assessed.

RESULTS

cFIRs statistically (P < 0.05) decreased CFA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia ((82.86 ± 5.21)% in control group vs (56.67 ± 9.54)% in cFIR group) and edema ((1699.0 ± 77.8) μm in control group vs (988.7 ± 107.6) μm in cFIR group). cFIRs statistically (P < 0.05) reduced TNF-α ((0.478 ± 0.072) pg/mg of protein in control group vs (0.273 ± 0.055) pg/mg of protein in cFIR group) and IL-1β ((95.81 ± 3.95) pg/mg of protein in control group vs (80.61 ± 4.71) pg/mg of protein in cFIR group) levels and statistically (P < 0.05) increased IL-10 ((18.32 ± 0.78) pg/mg of protein in control group vs (25.89 ± 1.23) pg/mg of protein in cFIR group) levels in post-CFA-injected paws. Peripheral pre-administration of inhibitory neuroreceptor antagonists (caffeine, DPCPX, AM281, AM630 and naloxone) prevented the analgesic effects of cFIRs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data provide additional support for the use of cFIRs in the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions and contribute to our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of cFIRs.