A study by researchers from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, looked at how far infrared (FIR) heat might help athletes recover after intense training. Ten male athletes who specialize in power sports were part of the study, which lasted for five days. The athletes did daily training sessions focused on strength, power, and technique, followed by a 40-minute session of FIR heat therapy at 50°C. Their performance was tested before and after the therapy using exercises like jumping and sprinting, and they also measured hormone levels related to recovery and stress, like testosterone and cortisol. The results showed that the athletes’ performance improved after using FIR heat, with better jump heights and more power during sprinting.
The study also found that FIR heat helped improve the balance between testosterone and cortisol, which suggests better recovery. This means that FIR heat could help athletes recover more quickly and improve their performance during intense training periods. However, the researchers also noted that FIR heat should be used alongside other recovery methods, like good nutrition, enough sleep, and muscle massages, rather than replacing them. This study shows that FIR heat can be a helpful tool for athletes looking to boost recovery and performance.
