Back on Track's textile technologies and the effect of FIR
Infrared electromagnetic radiation is constantly emitted from all living people and animals. This form of energy is invisible to the naked eye but can be perceived with the help of a thermal camera - which is used for night vision and heat detection, among other things. These electromagnetic waves have the ability to set molecules in motion by adding energy - that is, heating matter where it hits.
Infrared is part of the same spectrum as visible light. Just like visible light, infrared can also be absorbed and sent out (emitted). Far InfraRed (Far InfraRed, or FIR) is part of the infrared region of the spectrum, where "far" indicates it is at the far end. The energy contained in these wavelengths is not sufficient to create heat that you can actually feel - but sufficient to exert a therapeutic effect on the body.
But how are these properties transferred to textile materials?
The fabrics used in Back on Track's products have the ability to transmit infrared energy (FIR) - from the wearer's own body heat - back into the tissues. However, to have such a property, a textile material must contain specific minerals that can absorb and emit FIR.
Back on Track's textile technology consists both of the minerals themselves and of the method of permanently attaching them to various functional materials. The process means that the minerals are melted into the threads during the manufacture of the fabric.
From these "activated" fabrics, we then manufacture products that can be worn directly on the body - in the form of therapeutic joint and muscle protection, sports clothing or practical equipment for pets and horses.
However, the presence of minerals in the fabric does not affect the fabric's other material properties, e.g. its breathability or its ability to transport away moisture. Consequently, a Back on Track product can have a beneficial effect on muscles, joints and supporting tissues through its constant supply of FIR - while still keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.
How does FIR affect the body?
FIR affects the body in a number of ways, including by stimulating blood flow. The effect can be experienced and observed, but the mechanism behind it is still an active area of research. However, several possible explanations have been put forward.
A likely theory is that FIR upregulates the expression of an enzyme in the blood vessel walls. This enzyme in turn increases the production of nitric oxide (NO) - a signaling molecule that the body uses to dilate blood vessels. The discovery of NO and its function as a signaling molecule in the body was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998.
The energy supply through FIR is also considered to affect water molecules. Because water makes up such a large part of the body, the effect of making these molecules vibrate, move, change position or configuration can be of great importance. Taken together, these biological responses may explain why FIR appears to alleviate conditions as diverse as swelling, inflammation, joint stiffness and muscle soreness.
What is the effect of carrying FIR?
What we call the "Back on Track effect" refers to the feeling of increased well-being that often results from wearing products that radiate FIR. Infrared energy is well known for its ability to stimulate circulation in the tissues and promote healthy blood flow. The Back on Track products are therefore mainly used for their therapeutic properties: before, during and after various physical activities - or at rest, depending on the need. The effect is also used to speed up recovery and to relieve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, overexertion, stretching and muscle fatigue.
But by far the most important advantage of Back on Track's products is that they are designed to mobilize the body's own healing mechanisms. By supporting the blood supply to the muscles and reducing discomfort in the joints, they make it more comfortable to live an active life. And movement really is by far the best medicine!