Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Fabric Shirts and Control Polyester Shirts on Transcutaneous PO2

Improved extremity tissue oxygenation with short-term exposure to textiles embedded with far infrared light emitting thermoactive particles in patients with diabetes mellitus

METHODS

A single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover study of 32 subjects with either type 1 or type 2 DM. An active FIR wrap followed by a placebo wrap (or vice versa) was applied to the arm, calf, ankle, and forefoot for 60 min each with continuous TcPO2 measurements. The treatment effect of the active versus placebo wrap was estimated using a linear mixed effect model adjusted for period, sequence, baseline value, and anatomic site.

RESULTS

The active FIR wrap increased mean TcPO2 at the arm (2.6 ± 0.8 mmHg, p = .002), calf (1.5 ± 0.7 mmHg, p = .03), and ankle (1.7 ± 0.8 mmHg, p = .04) and composite of all sites (1.4 ± 0.5 mmHg, p = .002) after 60 min. The estimated treatment effect was significant for the active FIR wrap at the calf (1.5 ± 0.7 mmHg, p = .045) and in composite of all sites (1.2 ± 0.5 mmHg, p = .013).

CONCLUSION

Short-term exposure to FIR textiles improves peripheral tissue oxygenation in patients with diabetes.

Improving Sleep with Far-Infrared-Emitting Pajamas: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Far infrared (FIR)-based clothing may alleviate sleep disturbance. This study aimed to explore the effects of FIR-emitting pajamas on sleep quality. This was a pilot randomized, sham-controlled trial. Forty subjects with poor sleep quality were randomized to FIR-emitting-pajamas and sham-pajamas groups in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome measure was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Other measures included the Insomnia Severity Index, and 7 day sleep diary, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Outcomes were measured at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. Both groups showed within-group improvements in the PSQI score, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. However, FIR-emitting pajamas appeared to perform better than sham pajamas in reducing the MFI-physical score, with large effect sizes at three time points (dppc2 = 0.958, 0.841, 0.896); however, the differences were statistically insignificant. The intervention compliance was satisfactory. The effects of FIR-emitting pajamas on sleep quality were not superior to those in the control group. However, these pajamas may improve physical fatigue in adults with poor sleep quality, which warrants further exploration.

Physical properties and biological effects of ceramic materials emitting infrared radiation for pain, muscular activity, and musculoskeletal conditions

BACKGROUND

Up to 33% of the general population worldwide suffer musculoskeletal conditions, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability globally. Multimodal therapeutic options are available to relieve the pain associated with muscular disorders, including physical, complementary, and pharmacological therapies. However, existing interventions are not disease modifying and have several limitations.

METHOD

Literature review.

RESULTS

In this context, the use of nonthermal infrared light delivered via patches, fabrics, and garments containing infrared-emitting bioceramic minerals have been investigated. Positive effects on muscular cells, muscular recovery, and reduced inflammation and pain have been reported both in preclinical and clinical studies. There are several hypotheses on how infrared may contribute to musculoskeletal pain relief, however, the full mechanism of action remains unclear. This article provides an overview of the physical characteristics of infrared radiation and its biological effects, focusing on those that could potentially explain the mechanism of action responsible for the relief of musculoskeletal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current evidence, the following pathways have been considered: upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increase in nitric oxide bioavailability, anti-inflammatory effects, and reduction in oxidative stress.

Effects of far infrared light on Alzheimer's disease-transgenic mice

Far infrared light has been used in many medical procedures. However, the detailed biological mechanisms of infrared light’s effects have not yet been elucidated. Many researchers have pointed out the thermal effects of treatments such as infrared saunas, which are known to increase blood flow. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with gradual decreases in brain blood flow and resulting dementia. In this study, we attempted to clarify the beneficial effects of far infrared light using the 5xFAD mouse, a transgenic model of AD. We exposed 5xFAD mice to far infrared light for 5 months. Among the far infrared-exposed AD mice, body weights were significantly decreased, and the levels of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein were significantly increased in selected brain areas (compared to those in non-irradiated AD mice). However, cognition and motor function (as assessed by Morris water maze and Rota Rod tests, respectively) did not differ significantly between the irradiated and non-irradiated AD mouse groups. These results indicated that exposure to far infrared light may have beneficial biological effects in AD mice. However, the experimental schedule and methods may need to be modified to obtain clearer results.

Effect of Shirts with 42% Celliant™ Fiber on tcPO2 Levels and Grip Strength in Healthy Subjects: A Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Celliant™ fabric contains quartz, silicon oxide and titanium oxide particles embedded into polymer fibers. Garments woven with Celliant™ yarns can be activated by body heat (conduction, convection and radiation) and remit the energy as far infrared radiation (FIR) back into the body. Wearing Celliant garments has been shown to increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the skin. In the present study we recruited twenty-four healthy volunteers (18-60 years of age) to wear a placebo shirt for 90 minutes, and after a 15-minute break, to wear a real Celliant shirt for 90 minutes. The mean transcutaneous oxygen (tcPO₂) measured over two sites (biceps and abdomen) was significantly increased at 3 time points (30, 60, and 90 minutes) by between 5-8% (P<0.05) in Celliant vs. placebo. The mean grip strength in the dominant hand measured at 90 minutes was 12.44% higher after wearing Celliant vs. after placebo (p=0.0002). There was a small but significant increase in systolic blood pressure (113.71 vs. 109.38; p=0.02) but no statistically significant changes in diastolic or mean blood pressure, heart rate, or skin temperature. These data provide more evidence of the physiological effects of FIR emitting garments and suggest they could be used for athletic training and recovery.