Effect of whole-body microtitanium-treated garments on metabolic cost of exercise following strenuous hill running

Abstract

AQUA TITAN garments worn during recovery from strenuous exercise improved subsequent running economy to a magnitude likely to restore endurance performance. Future research should verify the magnitude of garment effects on performance outcomes, and on identifying the acute or passive neural, musculotendinous or metabolic mechanisms responsible.

The Effects of Uniquely-Processed Titanium on Balance and Walking Performance in Healthy Older Adults

“…Although we did not observe any improvement in walking performance or economy (contrary to previous research [ 10 ]), the extent of Aqua Titan coverage needs to be considered. Rowlands, et al [ 10 ] employed whole body coverage of Aqua Titan using tight fitting garments and socks; however, only the lower legs were exposed to Aqua Titan in the current study. Whilst an Aqua Titan effect at the muscle-tendon complex was observed, the small extent of coverage may not have been enough to induce improvements in walking performance or efficiency.…”

“…Aqua Titan garments and tapes have been investigated in a range of environments; from demonstrations in vitro of alterations to the synaptic plasticity of neurons in acute hippocampal slices from mice [ 7 ], to in vivo evidence suggesting reduced psychological and physiological stress [ 8 ] and enhanced musculoskeletal recovery from strenuous activity [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Of particular importance to the current study are the reports of superior recovery from high-intensity exercise whilst wearing Aqua Titan garments or tape.…”

“…Of particular importance to the current study are the reports of superior recovery from high-intensity exercise whilst wearing Aqua Titan garments or tape. The enhanced recovery has been characterized by an improvement in joint range of motion (ROM) [ 9 , 11 ], restoration of Achilles tendon stiffness [ 9 ], enhanced short latency stretch reflex response [ 9 ] and a lower metabolic cost of running [ 10 ], relative to control garments. Collectively, these findings suggest Aqua Titan applied to the skin has positive effects on restoration of musculoskeletal function, more specifically at the muscle-tendon complex, with potential for enhancement in neuromuscular functioning and fine-motor control.…”

The Effects of Uniquely-Processed Titanium on Biological Systems: Implications for Human Health and Performance

“…Beyond surgical implants, Aqua Titan has been integrated into garments and material tapes and investigated for improved restoration of human musculoskeletal function following normal fatiguing exercise. Evidence drawn from recent research suggests that if the treated material is applied during recovery from strenuous running, there is faster restoration of joint range of motion [ 9 , 24 ], latency response time (reflex response), Achilles tendon stiffness [ 9 ], and running economy [ 10 ], relative to doubled-blind placebo controls ( Figure 4 ).…”

“…These in vitro outcomes were consistent with other work showing titanium or titanium-coated materials to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and promote nerve cell growth [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. In humans, garments and tape permeated with Aqua Titan particles restored Achilles tendon stiffness and enhanced the short latency reflex response [ 9 ] with subsequent improvement in running economy [ 10 ] during recovery from strenuous hill running exercise in male athletes. Meanwhile, symptoms of stress were attenuated in office workers sleeping and working in rooms lined with Aqua Titan-treated materials [ 11 ].…”