Those Strap Thingy's On Athletes Legs and Shoulders

El Director

Does anybody know what those straps on the many of the athlete's legs in the Euro Champs this week are? I just noticed one of the Roscommon footballers sporting them too. I also noticed triathletes in Athlone wearing them.

Sorry about the vagueness of this but I don't know how else to describe them.

copacetic

they are kinesio tape.

http://www.kinesiotaping.com/

listermint

Also a nicer pic here

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/a-quirky-athletic-tape-gets-its-olympic-moment/

El Director

ahhhh....thanks guys!

MrCreosote

At least based on the "research studies" they have on their website, I'd add these to the overpriced-and-useless-equipment category.

Put them in there with compression stockings and those sticky plasters people used put over the bridge of their nose.

Complete pseudoscientific twaddle on that website.

Jnealon

MrCreosote wrote: »

At least based on the "research studies" they have on their website, I'd add these to the overpriced-and-useless-equipment category.

Put them in there with compression stockings and those sticky plasters people used put over the bridge of their nose.

Complete pseudoscientific twaddle on that website.

Not too sure about that, Cadel Evans cracked his elbow in the early stages of the tour de france and was wearing these straps on his elbow for the rest of it.

MrCreosote

Jnealon wrote: »

Not too sure about that, Cadel Evans cracked his elbow in the early stages of the tour de france and was wearing these straps on his elbow for the rest of it.

And finished 50 minutes down on Contador...

ANXIOUS

Has anyone on here used them? They do seem like an over priced gimic.

robinph

Why don't they just use this to fix you back together, much cheaper I expect:



Although not sure what colour options you get.

InTheTrees

really Interesting.

I was browsing youtube for advice on shin splints and using tape seems to be a common therapy although Kinseio doesnt seemt o do legs at all.

jayok77

MrCreosote wrote: »

At least based on the "research studies" they have on their website, I'd add these to the overpriced-and-useless-equipment category.

Put them in there with compression stockings and those sticky plasters people used put over the bridge of their nose.

Complete pseudoscientific twaddle on that website.

I would have to dissagree with the breath-easy nose strips. Have you ever tried them? I was also sceptical until I tried them, simple and ingenious piece of equipment. I use them for shorter intense races where you are gasping for every breath you can get anyway you can get it. They really open up your nasal airway allowing you to breath very freely through your nose.

With regard the compression socks I dont think they benefit road or track runners, they are more suited to mountain running where the calves can come under serious strain on the uphill and the compression can help reduce lactic acid buildup. Most of the top Mountain runners in Europe have been using them for quite a while now.

MrCreosote

jayok77 wrote: »

I would have to dissagree with the breath-easy nose strips. Have you ever tried them? I was also sceptical until I tried them, simple and ingenious piece of equipment. I use them for shorter intense races where you are gasping for every breath you can get anyway you can get it. They really open up your nasal airway allowing you to breath very freely through your nose.

With regard the compression socks I dont think they benefit road or track runners, they are more suited to mountain running where the calves can come under serious strain on the uphill and the compression can help reduce lactic acid buildup. Most of the top Mountain runners in Europe have been using them for quite a while now.

I'll have to argue this with you! The bullsh*t claims sporting manufacturers make are really annoying.

Two things- just because elite athletes use something does not mean they are of any sporting or performance benefit. They could be just doing it for sponsorship. Secondly all these things will have a big placebo effect. Put them on and you're in "race mode"- and fair enough if they do that for you well you probably will get some benefit.

For the compression socks- is there any good scientific evidence to back up improved performance? Or evidence to back up improved recovery or reduced injury rate (not "lactic acid buildup" alone)? As far as I know (and I have looked) there isn't, but there is some suggesting the opposite.

For the nose strips- tried them back when they came out, noticed no difference, later found out the nostril isn't the narrowest part of the nose anyway, it's further back.

Whenever these new (and usually expensive) things come out I think of the Onion article:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/revolutionary-new-insoles-combine-five-forms-of-ps,759/

RayCun

nasal strips - interestingly, the researchers say that you breathe through your nose during low-intensity exercise, but switch to mouth-breathing when you work harder. So you shouldn't expect them to help

tunney

MrCreosote wrote: »

I'll have to argue this with you! The bullsh*t claims sporting manufacturers make are really annoying.

Two things- just because elite athletes use something does not mean they are of any sporting or performance benefit. They could be just doing it for sponsorship. Secondly all these things will have a big placebo effect. Put them on and you're in "race mode"- and fair enough if they do that for you well you probably will get some benefit.

For the compression socks- is there any good scientific evidence to back up improved performance? Or evidence to back up improved recovery or reduced injury rate (not "lactic acid buildup" alone)? As far as I know (and I have looked) there isn't, but there is some suggesting the opposite.

For the nose strips- tried them back when they came out, noticed no difference, later found out the nostril isn't the narrowest part of the nose anyway, it's further back.

Whenever these new (and usually expensive) things come out I think of the Onion article:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/revolutionary-new-insoles-combine-five-forms-of-ps,759/

I've used the kinesio tape for a good while now. I've felt it work, but more importantly when its put on wrong I've felt the total agony of that. I think it may be overused but it does have some benefits.

Izoard

MrCreosote wrote: »

At least based on the "research studies" they have on their website, I'd add these to the overpriced-and-useless-equipment category.

Put them in there with compression stockings and those sticky plasters people used put over the bridge of their nose.

Complete pseudoscientific twaddle on that website.

FWIW, I suffer from significant calf cramping, so I took to wearing calf guards (Zoot) for some recent long-distance events (Wicklow200, Ironman Switzerland).
Amazingly, I did not suffer calf cramp at either event.

Maybe it was coincidence, maybe better nutrition strategy, but they get my vote.

Sport101

MrCreosote wrote: »

Two things- just because elite athletes use something does not mean they are of any sporting or performance benefit. They could be just doing it for sponsorship. Secondly all these things will have a big placebo effect

Whenever these new (and usually expensive) things come out I think of the Onion article:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/revolutionary-new-insoles-combine-five-forms-of-ps,759/

Too right, the funniest thing I've seen in a long time are the Power Balance hologram bracelets, athletes in a number of different sports use them and claim they get significant benefits... some scam if you can get away with it i guess!

http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/power-balance-what-the-golfers-are-wearing-at-the-open-2010-2842672.html

El Director

Izoard wrote: »

FWIW, I suffer from significant calf cramping, so I took to wearing calf guards (Zoot) for some recent long-distance events (Wicklow200, Ironman Switzerland).
Amazingly, I did not suffer calf cramp at either event.

Maybe it was coincidence, maybe better nutrition strategy, but they get my vote.

+1. I actually find them great. Funny enough after a night out my calves are aching so I wear these all the next day and them give me great relief

BeepBeep67

I suffer from sinitus and use the nasal strips when racing I've a left nostril that's decides to open by itself about once per year, find I can get more airflow and now it's just part of my pre race routine.
Last time I had a calf injury the physio taped me up with Kinesio and I recovered pretty quickly - but that's just a poll of 1.

jayok77

MrCreosote wrote: »

I'll have to argue this with you! The bullsh*t claims sporting manufacturers make are really annoying.

Two things- just because elite athletes use something does not mean they are of any sporting or performance benefit. They could be just doing it for sponsorship. Secondly all these things will have a big placebo effect. Put them on and you're in "race mode"- and fair enough if they do that for you well you probably will get some benefit.

For the compression socks- is there any good scientific evidence to back up improved performance? Or evidence to back up improved recovery or reduced injury rate (not "lactic acid buildup" alone)? As far as I know (and I have looked) there isn't, but there is some suggesting the opposite.

For the nose strips- tried them back when they came out, noticed no difference, later found out the nostril isn't the narrowest part of the nose anyway, it's further back.

Whenever these new (and usually expensive) things come out I think of the Onion article:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/revolutionary-new-insoles-combine-five-forms-of-ps,759/

Firstly, science will continually strive to improve mans performance in sports % by % and fair play to any of them that can make a buck on something that works. To say that sports manufactures claims are all bull is naive. For example, the Beijing Olympics showed us that scientific swim wear technology improved performance times dramatically.

The sporting public will decide what works for them and for some if it is just a placebo effect then does that not count? I don't know, you or I can't be the judge of that, it's an individual’s opinion.

Regards elite athlete's using new technology, yes some could be sponsored, or...they could actually work and they get money to wear them (the double WIN!). You would have to be some moron to use a piece of equipment for a couple of bob that didn't help you perform and could possibly hinder you. Especially true for elite runners as you have to consider factors such as its weight, effect on your running, how you feel etc. I can understand with the likes of golfers when it comes to apparel (t-shirts etc) but not a chance in hell they would use a set of clubs that were not the best suited to their game.

Regards studies, your not looking very hard:

http://www.trainingbible.com/joesblog/2009/03/compression-socks-update.html

Ali, A., M.P. Caine, B.G. Snow. 2007. Graduated Compression Stockings: Physiological and Perceptual Responses During and After Exercise. J Sports Sci 25(4): 413-419.

Summary: Fourteen recreational runners ran a 10k at a "fast pace" both with and without compression socks. No performance or physiological differences were observed for the compression-sock trials compared with the standard athletic-sock trials. There was, however, a reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) 24 hours after exercise with compression socks. Two runners in the compression socks experienced DOMS. Thirteen in the standard athletic socks experienced DOMS.

Kemmler, W., S. von Stengel, C. Kockritz, J. Mayhew, A. Wassermann, J. Zapf. 2009. Effect of Compression Stockings on Running Performance in Men Runners. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 101-105.

Summary: Twenty-one moderately trained men ran a graded exercise test on a treadmill to a voluntary maximum output on two occasions separated by a week. One test was done with compression socks and the other with standard athletic socks. Running performance at anaerobic threshold improved 1.5% and at aerobic threshold 2.1%.

Research is a fickle thing, there has to be exacting and controlled measurements and I've been a test subject in a few sport studies where it just wasn't possible to control all influencing factors. I like to take a very broad view on what’s out there see if it makes sense and then test it myself.

It seems that compression socks are especially good for post recovery which makes sense to me as my sports masseuse tells me to use R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, COMPRESSION, elevation) after she goes to town on my calves. I currently use a large elasticised bandages to compress the calves at night afterwards. A nurse friend is going to acquire a few pairs of patient surgical socks which they use in the hospital to prevent thrombosis and improve circulation in the legs during surgery and recovery. Would be similar to using compression socks or flight socks if your feet or lower legs swell during long haul flights.

@RayCun - That article on nasal strips was from 1998! Heres an interesting summary I found here: (I can’t see where he cites the ref studies however)
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/nasal-strips-do-breathing-techniques-improve-performance-111

Researchers in this study found that nasal strips did indeed delay the switch between nasal and oral breathing, but it was not clear what, if any, benefits this offered to performance. So what is the final verdict on nasal strips? While there is no evidence that they offer any physiological benefits to athletes, the fact of allowing them to breathe more easily might offer a psychological edge during competition, especially for those with some kind of respiratory problem.

This makes sense to me as I have a big 'oul honker but a small'ish nasal passage so I feel the increase of air intake immediately. It would make sense that it could be aiding to my perceived rate of effort. If it feels easier to breathe then you already have an advantage! And when your lungs are about to explode you try to take oxygen any way you can get it including my nose when using the strips.


LOL!
"I twisted my ankle something awful a few months ago, and the pain was so bad, I could barely walk a single step," said Helene Kuhn of Edison, NJ. "But after wearing MagnaSoles for seven weeks, I've noticed a significant decrease in pain and can now walk comfortably. Just try to prove that MagnaSoles didn't heal me!"

MrCreosote

jayok77 wrote: »

The sporting public will decide what works for them and for some if it is just a placebo effect then does that not count?


http://www.trainingbible.com/joesblog/2009/03/compression-socks-update.html

Ali, A., M.P. Caine, B.G. Snow. 2007. Graduated Compression Stockings: Physiological and Perceptual Responses During and After Exercise. J Sports Sci 25(4): 413-419.

Summary: Fourteen recreational runners ran a 10k at a "fast pace" both with and without compression socks. No performance or physiological differences were observed for the compression-sock trials compared with the standard athletic-sock trials. There was, however, a reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) 24 hours after exercise with compression socks. Two runners in the compression socks experienced DOMS. Thirteen in the standard athletic socks experienced DOMS.

Kemmler, W., S. von Stengel, C. Kockritz, J. Mayhew, A. Wassermann, J. Zapf. 2009. Effect of Compression Stockings on Running Performance in Men Runners. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 101-105.

Summary: Twenty-one moderately trained men ran a graded exercise test on a treadmill to a voluntary maximum output on two occasions separated by a week. One test was done with compression socks and the other with standard athletic socks. Running performance at anaerobic threshold improved 1.5% and at aerobic threshold 2.1%.

Fair point on the placebo effect. If it works, does it matter how it works? Probably not. And if it works for you then I'd be the last person to say not to do it. The thing that gets me is the crap spouted by the manufacturers. They have only one aim and that is to make money off people like you and me. And if something does give such a big benefit it will probably be banned like the swimsuits.

Most of the research done is of the worst kind- small unblinded studies funded by the manufacturer showing tiny or no benefit. The two examples you have there are typical.

MrCreosote

And anyway Ivan Drago had all those scientists and machines and laboratories and stuff, and Rocky only had the chickens and Rocky STILL beat him.

So there!

HardyEustace

MrCreosote wrote: »

The thing that gets me is the crap spouted by the manufacturers. They have only one aim and that is to make money off people like you and me.

I know, this is an actual quote on the powerade website

Drinking water before,
during and after excercise
is not enough

Prehydration = new term in order to flog a sports drink.

Not enough rolly eyes.

jayok77

MrCreosote wrote: »

Most of the research done is of the worst kind- small unblinded studies funded by the manufacturer showing tiny or no benefit. The two examples you have there are typical.

I'm not sure I understood your last sentence. They are two independent studies and you can find a list of studies one of them, Dr. Ali from N.Z., has done listed here, nowhere does it mention it is manufacture funded or sponsored:

http://fnhh.massey.ac.nz/Staff/Publications.aspx?staffid=19824&category=Exercise%20and%20Sport%20Science

And everyone knows Rocky used the placebo effect of 'Love' to conquer the Iron Curtain.. AAAdddrrrriiiaaaannnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!! :P

InTheTrees

You dont have to use some fancy expensive purpose made bandages.

Any ordinary tape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zRB3OuZXe0

claralara

Hey, Just did a search for information about taping and found this. I've never used any tape before but think my right shin might need a leg up to get through tomorrow's race. Is it literally just the plain cheap white tape for bandages that I need? And to just stick it on like in that youtube video?