Effects of ceramic garments on 10-km running performance

ABSTRACT

Aims

The use of electromagnetic waves by phototherapy to skeletal muscle presents potential ergogenic effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of using bioceramic clothes on performance, heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a 10 km race. Our hypothesis is that the use of such clothes modifies these variables.

Methods

Participants were 10 runners (27.9 ± 4.2 years) who performed two 10 km performances on track under different intervention conditions: bioceramic garments (CER) and placebo garments (PLA). The mean velocity (MV), HR and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored at each trial. Additionally, partial MV was calculated in three phases: (1) start (first 400 m), (2) middle (400-9600 m) and (3) end (last 400 m).

Results

MV in CER condition was significantly higher than in PLA condition (11.8 ± 1.0 km·h^-1 vs 11.4 ± 1.2 km·h^-1; F = 6.200; P = 0.034; ŋ_p² = 0.408). HR and RPE values in CER condition were not different from PLA condition.

Conclusions

Our main finding was that the use of bioceramic clothes (CER) increased MV when compared to the PLA condition. Based on these results, bioceramic may be used as an ergogenic resource to increase performance.

Keywords:
physical endurance; far-infrared radiation; phototherapy; sports