The Impact of Far-Infrared Radiation-Lamp Therapy on Recovery for Athletes - Study

More and more research is being done on the effects of far infrared therapy on muscle recovery. The Richway Biomat has the ability to deliver far infrared therapy has been proven and approved by the FDA.  This article is a review of a study done in 2022 and published in the Human Kinetics Journal entitled,Effects of Far-Infrared Radiation-Lamp Therapy on Recovery From Simulated Soccer Match Running Activities in Elite Soccer Players. The original article was authored by Chung-Chan Hsieh, Kazunori Nosaka, Tai-Ying Chou, and Trevor Chen.

Background

High physical loading during activities like soccer matches and team sports can lead to increased fatigue, lowered muscle function, heightened DOMS, and impaired athletic performance. Athletes and practitioners seek ways to speed up recovery, especially during intense training and competition times.

Far-infrared radiation therapy, also known as FIR therapy, has been studied for its potential benefits. Some research suggests that FIR light can penetrate muscles deeply, increasing blood flow and potentially enhancing recovery. It's important, however, not confuse FIR therapy from a light source with other research involving infrared-emitting clothing or materials.

What the Authors Did

24 elite female university soccer players were recruited for the study. They completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) for 6 consecutive days. The LIST consists of 5 sets of 15-minute intermittent running indoors. The participants were divided into two groups: FIR and SHAM. The FIR group received radiative heat therapy on the knee extensors and knee flexors for 30 minutes each at specific time points. The SHAM group received a pseudo-FIR treatment at the same time points. Participants wore eye masks and listened to music to minimize psychological effects.

Muscle damage markers and performance indices were evaluated.

What the Authors Found

Participants in the FIR group showed increased physical activity (total distance) in the final 2 days of LIST, while also noting a reduced sense of effort.

There was no difference in knee extensor and knee flexor soreness between days 1 to 5, but significant changes occurred after the 6th LIST and for 4 subsequent days. Plasma CK activity was reduced and CMJ height was increased in the FIR group after the 3rd LIST, and this discrepancy persisted for another 3 days.

During the tests, participants in the FIR group consistently showed faster performance and covered greater distance compared to those in the SHAM group over a period of 4 days following the 6th test.

The Implications for Coaches are...

• The basics like sleep, hydration, and nutrition are critical, but this paper suggests that FIR therapy could be useful during busy times like international football tournaments or pre-season periods.
• Due to the intense study sessions resembling those in sports, it may be necessary to consider extra recovery methods. With cold water immersion not always possible, and pneumatic compression tools or cryotherapy chambers being expensive or unavailable, FIR therapy is a viable alternative to explore.
• There are various FIR light options that could be utilized for competitions, travel, and training camps. It's crucial to differentiate between FIR light therapy and IR garments, as they don't have the same level of evidence supporting their effectiveness.

The Richway Biomat Promotes Muscle Recovery in Athletes

The Richway Biomat produces Far Infrared radiation that warms the body, increases circulation, and promotes the relaxation of muscles, allowing them to relax while they heal, quickening recovery.  Every athlete knows the struggle of trying to recover quickly so they can get back to doing what they do best.  The Biomat can help.  Order yours today.