MLX i3 Dome Study – Efficacy Scientifically Proven

The modern world of wellness, sports, and well-being is gradually moving away from the mere utility of conventional saunas and steam baths, as well as traditional massages used for recovery and regeneration. Treatment devices that efficiently enhance health potential – both physically and mentally – are becoming increasingly fashionable. Not least because they do not require staff and can be used independently and autonomously by the customer.

The ongoing health crisis, with its lack of access to beneficial therapies and increasing fear of physical contact, highlights the importance of using science to demonstrate the benefits of already available treatment methods. In this context, the Gharieni Group commissioned the present study and had its recovery efficiency in the MLX i3 Dome investigated for use in the sports sector. The findings from this could have a significant impact on the world of sports and wellness, as well as general well-being.

In competitive sports, endurance sports such as running, cycling, or skiing require a high physical and mental commitment from athletes to be successful – both in training and competition. Active athletes at the professional or amateur level complete intensive training sessions practically daily or at least every 2 days. During such strenuous training or after competitions, especially with eccentric bodywork, muscle recovery and well-being become a central factor in the training plan.

The Far-infrared therapy (FIR) has long been used as a recovery method and pain relief for patients with muscle diseases. In sports, it has also recently been treated as an efficient recovery strategy. To date, the only proven effect of FIR is a reduction in the perception of pain and muscle fatigue, which is triggered by an increase in endorphin production (Melzack and Well, 2015).

Also the potential impact of Negative Air Ionization (NAI) Great interest is being shown in human health and well-being. Frequently proven benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, strengthening the immune system, relaxing effects, a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, associated with a decrease in irritability and blood pressure, and much more.
The effectiveness of NAI in improving athletic recovery has not been proven to date, and certainly not in combination with far-infrared energy and Light therapy.

The present study investigates recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) with treatment in the MLX i3 Dome using FIR in combination with NAI compared to a passive recovery method.
Gharieni Group hypothesizes that if muscle performance remains the same, muscle pain and inflammation will be reduced if athletes utilize the MLX i3 Dome technologies within 48 hours after training/competition. The technology is also intended to have a positive impact on the overall well-being of athletes.

Subjects
14 well-trained men participated in this study (Age: 39.4 +/- 10.9 years; Height: 177.4 +/- 6.1 cm; Weight: 10.2 +/- 8.5 kg; BMI: 22.3 +/- 1.7 kg/m).²; Fat mass: 13.5 ± 4.0 %).

Study Design
The aim of the study was to measure and analyze the effect of the MLX i3 Dome treatment compared to a passive recovery method, in terms of performance and performance-related data after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).

The EIMD consisted of two 14-minute training sessions separated by a 5-minute passive recovery phase. Each session comprised 6 repetitions of 30 seconds of supramaximal cycling load, 30 seconds of passive recovery, and 30 seconds of repeated countermovement. The repetitions were interspersed with 60 seconds of passive recovery.

All participants tested both recovery methods: one half used the MLX i3 Dome in the first week and the control method in the second week, and vice versa. The order of the recovery methods was randomized. Recovery consisted of a 30-minute passive recovery phase in the MLX i3 Dome with FIR, NAI, and green light therapy, or the control method. The recovery modality was applied 15 minutes (Day +0), 24 hours (Day +1), and 48 hours (Day +2) after the EIMD.

Measurements of performance and performance-related data were taken before EIMD (baseline), between EIMD and recovery, and after recovery on day 1 (Day +0=) for each recovery method. On the following two days, measurements were taken after recovery (Day +1 and Day +2, respectively). Additionally, heart rate variability and muscle soreness were measured 72 hours after EIMD (Day +3).
Additionally, participants were asked not to train on the two days before the EIMD and during the 3 days of data collection.

Original study

You can view and download the original study using the button below.

More about the MLX i3 Dome

For more information on the MLX i3 energy station and explanations of the three MLX i3 dome technologies, click the button below.