As sports recovery tools become more advanced, far-infrared (FIR) emitting materials are being integrated into athletic wear with claims of accelerating recovery and reducing pain. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial led by Loturco et al. (2016) tested the effectiveness of FIR-emitting clothes on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and recovery performance in elite soccer players. The study focused on how these clothes affected muscle soreness and physical performance after a demanding plyometric workout of 100 drop-jumps.

Twenty-one male soccer players were divided into two groups: one wore FIR-emitting garments, while the other wore identical placebo clothing without FIR properties. Both groups wore their assigned garments during sleep for three consecutive nights, beginning six hours after the workout.

Measurements were taken at multiple intervals over three days to track mid-thigh swelling, plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels (a muscle damage marker), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), vertical jump performance, and leg press strength.

The study found no significant differences between the two groups in physical performance recovery or swelling. However, while both groups reported muscle soreness, the FIR group showed a reduced perception of pain at 48 and 72 hours post-exercise, supported by moderate (effect size = 0.737) and large (effect size = 0.844) reductions in DOMS compared to the placebo group. CK levels rose at 24 hours for both groups but returned to baseline by 72 hours, indicating mild muscle damage and resilience among the trained athletes.

These results suggest that FIR garments may help alleviate soreness, though their impact on other recovery markers remains unclear.