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He P, Low RJY, Burns SF, Lipik V, Tok AIY. Enhanced far infrared emissivity, UV protection and near-infrared shielding of polypropylene composites via incorporation of natural mineral for functional fabric development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22329. [PMID: 38102206 PMCID: PMC10724279 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Far infrared radiation in the range of 4-20 µm has been showed to have biological and health benefits to the human body. Therefore, incorporating far-infrared emissivity additives into polymers and/or fabrics hold promise for the development of functional textiles. In this study, we incorporated nine types of natural minerals into polypropylene (PP) film and examined their properties to identify potential candidates for functional textiles and apparels. The addition of 2% mineral powders into PP film increased the far-infrared emissivity (5-14 µm) by 7.65%-14.48%. The improvement in far-infrared emissivity within the range of 5-14 µm, which overlaps with the peak range of human skin radiation at 8-14 µm, results in increased absorption efficiency, and have the potential to enhance thermal and biological effects. Moreover, the incorporation of mineral powders in PP films exhibited favorable ultraviolet (UV) protection and near-infrared (NIR) shielding properties. Two films, specifically those containing red ochre and hematite, demonstrated excellent UV protection with a UPF rating of 50+ and blocked 99.92% and 98.73% of UV radiation, respectively. Additionally, they showed 95.2% and 93.2% NIR shielding properties, compared to 54.1% NIR shielding properties of PP blank films. The UV protection and NIR shielding properties offered additional advantages for the utilization of polymer composite with additives in the development of sportswear and other outdoor garments. The incorporation of minerals could absorb near-IR radiation and re-emit them at longer wavelength in the mid-IR region. Furthermore, the incorporation of minerals significantly improved the heat retention of PP films under same heat radiation treatment. Notably, films with red ochre and hematite exhibited a dramatic temperature increase, reaching 2.5 and 3.2 times the temperature increase of PP films under same heat radiation treatment, respectively (46.8 °C and 59.9 °C higher than the temperature increase of 20.9 °C in the PP film). Films with additives also demonstrated lower thermal effusivity than PP blank films, indicating superior heat insulation properties. Therefore, polypropylene films with mineral additives, particularly those containing red ochre and hematite, showed remarkable heat capacity, UV-protection, NIR-shielding properties and enhanced far infrared emissivity, making them promising candidates for the development of functional textiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Rayland Jun Yan Low
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Stephen Francis Burns
- Physical Education and Sports Science, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616, Singapore
| | - Vitali Lipik
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Alfred Iing Yoong Tok
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
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Silva M, Gáspari A, Barbieri J, Barroso R, Figueiredo G, Motta L, Moraes A. Far-infrared-emitting fabric improves neuromuscular performance of knee extensor. Lasers Med Sci 2022; 37:2527-2536. [PMID: 35146580 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-022-03523-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify if exposure to the far-IR emitted by fabric (FIR) is able to improve the neuromuscular performance of the knee extensors of resistance-trained males regardless of changes of the temperature. It is a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age: 24.3 ± 4 years; body mass: 82.8 ± 11.3 kg; height: 176.3 ± 4.2 cm) were randomly assigned to one of initial conditions: FIR (n = 7) or placebo (n = 7). After 4 days, the participants were submitted to neuromuscular tests in an isokinetic dynamometer (maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) and fatigue test). After a week of washout, participants performed the other condition. We measured peak torque (Nm), total work (J), fatigue index (%), root mean square (mV), median frequency (Hz), and temperature (°C) of thigh. The FIR was worn for 82 ± 19 h before the experimental session, totaling 317 ± 74 kJ of energy irradiation. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) for pre-MVC (318.5 ± 68.7 Nm) and post-MVC (284.1 ± 58.2 Nm), and a trend (p = 0.055) for significant increase for total work (4,122.2 ± 699.8 J) on FIR condition regardless of none change on temperature and electromyographic (EMG) signals. FIR improved the neuromuscular performance of knee extensors in resistance-trained males regardless of changes on temperature and EMG. The present results suggest that the FIR could optimize the neuromuscular performance with 82 ± 19 h of wear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoel Silva
- Laboratory of Electromyography Studies, Department of Sport Science, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Érico Veríssimo, 701, São Paulo, Campinas, CEP 13083-851, Brazil.
| | - Arthur Gáspari
- Laboratory of Electromyography Studies, Department of Sport Science, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Érico Veríssimo, 701, São Paulo, Campinas, CEP 13083-851, Brazil
| | - João Barbieri
- Laboratory of Electromyography Studies, Department of Sport Science, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Érico Veríssimo, 701, São Paulo, Campinas, CEP 13083-851, Brazil
| | - Renato Barroso
- Laboratory of Electromyography Studies, Department of Sport Science, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Érico Veríssimo, 701, São Paulo, Campinas, CEP 13083-851, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Electromyography Studies, Department of Sport Science, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Érico Veríssimo, 701, São Paulo, Campinas, CEP 13083-851, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Motta
- Laboratory of Electromyography Studies, Department of Sport Science, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Érico Veríssimo, 701, São Paulo, Campinas, CEP 13083-851, Brazil
| | - Antônio Moraes
- Laboratory of Electromyography Studies, Department of Sport Science, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Érico Veríssimo, 701, São Paulo, Campinas, CEP 13083-851, Brazil
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Juho YC, Tang SH, Lin YH, Lin CX, Liang T, Cherng JH, Meng E. Germanium-Titanium-π Polymer Composites as Functional Textiles for Clinical Strategy to Evaluate Blood Circulation Improvement and Sexual Satisfaction. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13234154. [PMID: 34883657 PMCID: PMC8659801 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
By continuously enhancing the blood flow, far-infrared (FIR) textile is anticipated to be a potential non-pharmacological therapy in patients with peripheral vascular disorders, for instance, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and experiencing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED). Hence, we manufactured a novel polymer composite, namely, germanium-titanium-π (Ge-Ti-π) textile and aimed to evaluate its characteristics and quality. We also investigated the immediate and long-term effects of the textile on patients with ESRD undergoing HD and experiencing VED. The Ge-Ti-π textile was found to have 0.93 FIR emissivity, 3.05 g/d strength, and 18.98% elongation. The results also showed a 51.6% bacteria reduction and negative fungal growth. On application in patients receiving HD, the Ge-Ti-π textile significantly reduced the limb numbness/pain (p < 0.001) and pain score on the visual analog scale (p < 0.001). Moreover, the Doppler ultrasound assessment data indicated a significant enhancement of blood flow in the right hand after 1 week of Ge-Ti-π textile treatment (p < 0.041). In VED patients, the Ge-Ti-π underpants treatment significantly improved the quality of sexual function and increased the average penile blood flow velocity after 3 months of the treatment. Our study suggests that the Ge-Ti-π textile could be beneficial for patients with blood circulation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cing Juho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-C.J.); (S.-H.T.)
| | - Shou-Hung Tang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-C.J.); (S.-H.T.)
| | - Yi-Hsin Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Chen-Xi Lin
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Tenson Liang
- Quality of Pain and Sleep Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan;
| | - Juin-Hong Cherng
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-H.C.); (E.M.); Tel.: +886-2-8792-3100 (ext. 18681) (J.-H.C.); +886-2-8792-7169 (E.M.)
| | - En Meng
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-C.J.); (S.-H.T.)
- Correspondence: (J.-H.C.); (E.M.); Tel.: +886-2-8792-3100 (ext. 18681) (J.-H.C.); +886-2-8792-7169 (E.M.)
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Bontemps B, Gruet M, Vercruyssen F, Louis J. Utilisation of far infrared-emitting garments for optimising performance and recovery in sport: Real potential or new fad? A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251282. [PMID: 33956901 PMCID: PMC8101933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
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).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Bontemps
- Université de Toulon, Laboratoire IAPS, Toulon, France
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mathieu Gruet
- Université de Toulon, Laboratoire IAPS, Toulon, France
| | | | - Julien Louis
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Agostoni P, Emdin M, De Martino F, Apostolo A, Masè M, Contini M, Carriere C, Vignati C, Sinagra G. Roles of periodic breathing and isocapnic buffering period during exercise in heart failure. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021; 27:19-26. [PMID: 33238742 PMCID: PMC7691624 DOI: 10.1177/2047487320952029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In heart failure, exercise - induced periodic breathing and end tidal carbon dioxide pressure value during the isocapnic buffering period are two features identified at cardiopulmonary exercise testing strictly related to sympathetic activation. In the present review we analysed the physiology behind periodic breathing and the isocapnic buffering period and present the relevant prognostic value of both periodic breathing and the presence/absence of the identifiable isocapnic buffering period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piergiuseppe Agostoni
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Life Science Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy.,Fondazione Gabriele Monasterio, CNR-Regione Toscana, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Masè
- Cardiovascular Department, Ospedali Riuniti and University of Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Cosimo Carriere
- Cardiovascular Department, Ospedali Riuniti and University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlo Vignati
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Cardiovascular Department, Ospedali Riuniti and University of Trieste, Italy
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Abstract
This document reflects the key points of a consensus meeting of the Heart Failure Association of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) held to provide an overview the role of physiological monitoring in the complex multimorbid heart failure (HF) patient. This article reviews assessments of the functional ability of patients with HF. The gold standard measurement of cardiovascular functional capacity is peak oxygen consumption obtained from a cardiopulmonary exercise test. The 6-min walk test provides an indirect measure of cardiovascular functional capacity. Muscular functional capacity is assessed using either a 1−repetition maximum test of the upper and lower body or other methods, such as handgrip measurement. The short physical performance battery may provide a helpful, indirect indication of muscular functional capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo F Piepoli
- Heart Failure Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Cantone del Cristo, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Spoletini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Centre for Clinical and Basic Research, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rosano
- Department of Medical Sciences, Centre for Clinical and Basic Research, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
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