The Effect of Wearing Relive Shirts on Athletic Performance

Yuuto Suzuki, Master’s Program in Sports and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences, Iwate University

Supervising Professor: Michinari Asanuma

(Date of Preparation: January 17)

1. Introduction

The Relive shirt is a functional shirt made of 100% polyester fabric with stretch that stimulates muscles and aligns meridians. It has power stones kneaded into the dye in the shoulder and abdominal areas. Previous research has suggested that wearing these shirts can increase range of motion, grip strength, and back muscle strength, as well as reduce daily fatigue. However, the research subjects were women under 59 years old who do not normally exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing the Relive shirt on performance in 15-18-year-old high school soccer club members who exercise at least 5 times a week.

2. Methods

(1) Subjects

21 members of the M High School soccer club, aged 15-18, who exercise for at least 2 hours a week. 

(2) Selection Criteria

Age: 15-18 years old

Sex: Male

1) Healthy (In this study, a healthy subject is defined as someone without serious organ impairment or specific illnesses, who is not receiving related treatment or any drug therapy. Whether someone qualifies as healthy is determined based on their own declaration at the start of the study.) 

2) Exercises for 2 hours or more, 5 times a week

3) Not currently participating in other studies

(3) Verification Method

Compare standing broad jump results with and without wearing the Relive shirt, 3 times each. The experimenter always wears a black shirt so they cannot tell which is the Relive shirt. The broad jump is performed. 

(4) Statistical Processing

All statistics were calculated using Excel. t-tests were used to compare mean values between groups. The significance level was set at less than 5%.

3. Results

The standing broad jump results for the 21 members of the M High School soccer club are shown in Table 1 and Graph 1. 

The average standing broad jump without wearing the Relive shirt was 209.6 cm, and the average wearing the shirt was 212.3 cm.

[Table 1: Standing Broad Jump Results with and without Wearing Relive Shirt for M High School Soccer Club]

Without Wearing Relive Shirt (Average of 3 Jumps) (cm)	While Wearing Relive Shirt (Average of 3 Jumps) (cm)
236.6	238.3
209	212.6
221	231
196.3	205.3
199.3	205.6
172.6	170.3
206.3	211.6
241	242
209.3	217.6
214	215.3
215	222.3
215.3	222.3
188.6	184.3
214.2	206.3
233.3	239.6
199.6	195
183	187.3
195.3	197
206	207.6
203.6	208
243.3	240

[Graph 1: Change in Averages With and Without Wearing Relive Shirt]

4. Discussion

The average without wearing the Relive shirt was 209.6 cm, and the average wearing the shirt was 212.3 cm. Comparing these results using a t-test (test of equality of means for paired samples) showed a statistically significant increase in the mean with wearing the shirt (P<0.01).

Given these results showing a statistically significant increase in standing broad jump records with and without wearing the Relive shirt, it is considered that wearing the Relive shirt improves jumping ability.

5. Conclusion

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing the Relive shirt on performance in 15-18 year old high school soccer club members who exercise at least 5 times a week. The results showed a statistically significant increase in standing broad jump records with and without wearing the Relive shirt. Therefore, it is considered that wearing the Relive shirt is effective for improving jumping power.

References

TFC Lab Co., Ltd. (2021) Verification Test on the Effects of Wearing Relive Shirts and Pants on the Body