SynthesisPloS one2021
Utilisation of far infrared-emitting garments for optimising performance and recovery in sport: Real potential or new fad? A systematic review.
Synthesis in PloS one, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 11 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
11 citing papers in PubMed.
- Physiological Effects of Far-Infrared-Emitting Garments on Sleep, Thermoregulation, and Autonomic Function Assessed Using Wearable Sensors.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Trial
- A pilot study on the effects of far-infrared-emitting fabric on neuromuscular performance of knee extensor and male fertility.Lasers in medical science · 2022Trial
- Far-infrared-emitting fabric improves neuromuscular performance of knee extensor.Lasers in medical science · 2022Trial
- Improved extremity tissue oxygenation with short-term exposure to textiles embedded with far infrared light emitting thermoactive particles in patients with diabetes mellitus.Diabetes & vascular disease researchTrial
- Bioceramic arm garment does not increase diameter of brachial artery and blood flow-Compliance and biceps microcirculation in male recreational sports practitioners at rest: A single blinded randomized cross-over study.Journal of sport and health science · 2025Article
- Effects of Graphene-Based Far-Infrared Compression Garments on Aerobic Capacity in Healthy Young Males: A Randomized Crossover Trial.Sports medicine - open · 2025Article
- A Preliminary Investigation of the Efficacy of Far-Infrared-Emitting Garments in Enhancing Objective and Subjective Recovery Following Resistance Exercise.Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology · 2025Article
- Investigation of Far Infrared Emission and UV Protection Properties of Polypropylene Composites Embedded with Candlenut-Derived Biochar for Health Textiles.Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Preliminary Assessment of the Acute Effects of Far Infrared-Emitting Garments: What Are the Possible Implications for Recovery and Performance?Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023Article
- Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review.European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education · 2022Review
- Infrared Thermography in Wound Care, Surgery, and Sports Medicine: A Review.Frontiers in physiology · 2022Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThanks 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.
methodFive 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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