Textile company Celliant announced the results of an study conducted at the University of Calgary and sponsored by Hologenix LLC that shows apparel that emits Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) can decrease an athlete’s oxygen consumption during competitive exercise. Cellient says this suggests apparel with Celliant fibers enhance performance during competition. The results will be published in the Research Journal of Apparel and Textile.
The premise for the study states that: “FIR has been shown to have physiological effects when used as a modality for certain applications. For example, athletic apparel are currently commercially available that are constructed with fabrics that purportedly emit FIR. If apparel with this technology is capable of inducing positive physiological effects, then there may be important implications when worn by an athlete during exercise.”
“We found that when using Celliant garments, the cyclists had a significant decrease in oxygen consumption (VO2) at low intensities versus the control. This suggests that Celliant may improve performance,” explains Dr. Darren J. Stefanyshyn Phd., Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada.
The purpose of this study was to examine whether FIR apparel had an effect on oxygen consumption during exercise at ‘submaximal’ intensities. Twelve male cyclists completed elevated incremental cycling tests. Each subject was tested on four separate days, twice while wearing a full body control garment, and twice while wearing a similar garment made with Celliant FIR fabric.
Throughout each cycling test, the volume of oxygen uptake was monitored using a breathing mask and metabolic analysis cart. Measuring at high and lower cycling intensities, the subjects consumed ‘statistically, and significantly less oxygen’ when wearing the Celliant FIR apparel compared to the control garment, despite performing the same amount of mechanical work. Additional research is required to determine the implication of this effect for training or competing athletes; however the results indicate that this apparel technology does elicit a positive physiological effect.
According to a statement from Celliant CEO, Seth Casden, “Celliant’s goal is to provide FIR energy technology that penetrates the skin, tissue and muscle to promote increased blood flow, circulation and tissue oxygenation, thereby providing temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis and stiffness, and/or muscle spasm. Performance products containing this innovative technology continue to be clinically proven to enhance tissue oxygen levels, which improves athletic performance, sleep quality, health and overall wellness.”
Celliant utilizes a proprietary mineral matrix that’s embedded into the core of a yarn. Celliant’s science is based in physics and biochemistry; heat is transferred into infrared light (IR), which is absorbed into the body. The result is superior muscle performance, faster recovery, improved thermal regulation and a more restorative sleep. Celliant has developed products with for the following categories: technical outerwear, athletic wear, base layer, wetsuits, bedding, equestrian apparel, insulations, veterinary products and furniture.
The study was conducted by Jay T. Worobets PhD, Emma R. Skolnik MKin, and Darren J. Stefanyshyn PhD at the Human Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada.
