Applications and benefits of the infrared rays and infrared-based devices in sports and rehabilitation

Background: Infrared rays, that comprise NIR, MIR and FIR rays, are increasingly used for enhancing athletic performance and muscle recovery but also for neuromuscular rehabilitation and in sports medicine. Infrared-based devices frequently used on athletes include infrared thermal blankets, infrared lipo laser paddles (soft-laser), infrared heat lamps, infrared bands, infrared saunas, infrared pens, far infrared-emitting ceramic or stone beads and far infrared-emitting apparel (technical sportswear). Methods: A literature analysis of the last twenty years was made regards the application of infrared rays on athletes. Results: Although the mechanisms of action of infrared rays are still unclearly, they develop endogenous heat and show many interesting heat-related effects and non-heat-related effects on the human tissues included skeletal muscles, tendons and ligaments. Conclusions: Infrared has a positive effect on all disorders of the locomotor system and concurs to the improvement of skeletal muscle performance, decreases exercise-induced oxidative stress, delays of muscle fatigue, reduces pain (also chronic pain) and inflammatory responses of muscles, protects against muscle injuries and stimulates general psychophysical well-being.