New Taopatch® study: its metabolic and neuromuscular response
A new study on Taopatch® conducted by Prof. Messina (San Raffaele University) and Prof. Patrizia Proia (University of Palermo) in collaboration with Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland, has been published in the scientific journal Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine:
Abstract:
High-intensity training (HIT), such as CrossFit® training, causes metabolic and neuromuscular stress. Wearable devices, such as Taopatch®, which combine photobiomodulation and proprioceptive stimulation, have been proposed to improve metabolic responses during HIT. Our pilot study investigated the acute effects of Taopatch® on metabolic (blood lactate and blood glucose) and neuromuscular (grip strength and push-up performance) markers in six trained CrossFit® athletes. Participants were assigned to either the experimental group (TAO), which received the Taopatch® device, or the control group (CC), which received the placebo Taopatch® device. Each athlete completed a 15-minute CrossFit® training session. Lactate and blood glucose levels were measured at baseline prior to device application (T0). Taopatch®, either active or placebo, was then applied and post-workout measurements were collected 45 minutes after the end of training (T1) and 90 minutes after the end of training (T2). Strength tests were performed before and after the application of Taopatch®. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the groups.
However, the TAO group showed a stable glycemic profile and a less marked lactate peak than the CC group after training, suggesting a potential effect of Taopatch® on metabolic regulation. In neuromuscular parameters, there were no relevant changes between groups. A small improvement in the left hand grip strength test was observed in the TAO group, suggesting that Taopatch® may improve the non-dominant limb. However, the absence of obvious effects on neuromuscular parameters could be related to the small sample size and short duration of the study. These preliminary results suggest a potential modulatory effect on metabolic response that warrants verification in larger, fully enhanced studies.
To view the entire study, visit this page.