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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07503977

Acute Physiological Effects of Full-Body Far-Infrared Emitting Textiles on Young Road Cyclists

Road cycling is a sport characterized by long, high-intensity training sessions. Cyclists train and compete in varying temperatures, which can affect their performance. Therefore, thermoregulation is a fundamental capacity in endurance sports such as cycling. Far-infrared (FIR) emitting fibers have recently been used in garments during and after exercise to modulate thermoregulation and enhance muscle recovery. Every competitive cyclist voluntarily underwent testing at a temperature-controlled laboratory after reading and signing the informed consent document. Participants were invited to three separate sessions at the laboratory. During the first session, essential personal information (name, surname, sex, age, height and weight) was recorded. In addition, an incremental test was performed on a cycle ergometer to measure VO2Max and ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1). Subsequently, they were randomly divided into two conditions: an experimental garment (EG) with FIR and a control garment (CG). Each test session consisted of 40 minutes at VT1, followed by a 5-second sprint at the end. During the test, various physiological parameters were assessed: Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate, body temperature (skin and core temperature), and sensations of exertion and sweating.

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Key information

Conditions

Athletes Cyclists

Age range

16 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Urbino

Urbino, The Marches, 61029, Italy

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • competitive cyclists with at least two years of racing experience

Exclusion criteria

  • No current or past traumatic or overuse injuries within the 6 months prior to the study.

Treatment and study plan

FIR

Device

FIR is a passive emitter composed of textile fibers integrated with bioceramics and light-emitting minerals.

Other names: Far-Infrared

PLACEBO

Device

a similar-looking suit but without FIR

Primary outcomes

  1. Body Temperature: Skin and Core

    Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour

    During the constant-power test at VT1 intensity, skin and core temperature were continuously recorded using Calera Research (greenTEG A.G., Rümlang, Switzerland) connected to a personal computer with dedicated software. The system is a heat-flux sensor and research device that eliminates outside environmental influences when monitoring core body temperature, and therefore delivers accurate results independent of the user's physical activity level or external conditions. The device provides access to high-resolution (1Hz) raw data including Core Temperature, Skin Temperature, Accelerometer, and Heat-Flux.

  2. Heart Rate

    Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour

    During the constant-power test at VT1 intensity, heart rate (HR) was continuously measured using a Polar H10 chest strap sensor, a device known for its measurement accuracy. The sensor was connected to the cycle ergometer software to analyze heart rate in relation to the cyclist's power output.

  3. Oxygen Consumption

    Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour

    During the constant-power test at VT1 intensity, oxygen consumption (VO₂) was measured using a metabolimeter (K5 Cosmed, Italy). Breath-by-breath analysis of exhaled gases was performed.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Sprint Peak Power

    Time frame: After the end of treatment at 1 hour

    5-second sprints were performed at the end of the 40-minute steady-state test. To measure power output, an SRM Ergometer was used, which is capable of measuring and setting a specific power level. The system is able to maintain a specific power level by adjusting the flywheel resistance and the cyclist's cadence.

  2. Rate of Perceived Exertion

    Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour

    The modified Borg 6-20 scale for assessing perceived exertion (RPE) was used during the 40-minute constant-load exercise test at VT1. Measurements were taken continuously at 5-minute intervals throughout the test.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Palermo

Other

Collaborators

  • University of Urbino "Carlo Bo"

Registry information

Official study title

Acute Physiological Effects of Full-Body Far-Infrared Emitting Textiles on Body Temperature, Heart Rate, Power Output, Oxygen Consumption, Hydration, Perceived Comfort, and Hematological Parameters in Young Road Cyclists

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 31, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 31, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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