Effect of Shirt with 42% Celliant Fiber on TCPO2 Levels and Grip Strength in Healthy Subjects, Dr. Ian Gordon (2009-2011)

Overview
Celliant is a specially formulated material that is knit, woven or added to products to enhance oxygen levels in the body. Products with Celliant have been clinically proven to relieve pain, increase comfort and aid in healing by increasing oxygen levels and helping to regulate body temperature. Below is a summary of the results of a recently completed study designed to measure the ability of Celliant to increase skin oxygen levels (TCPO2).

Study Background
The study was conducted by Dr. Ian Gordon, M.D., Ph.D. at University of California Medical Center. Dr. Gordon is the Director of the University of California Wound Clinic, an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California, Irvine and Chief of the Vascular Surgery Section at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System as well as a member of the attending staff at the University of California Irvine Medical Center. The study was a single-center, prospective, double blind, randomized trial approved by the institution review board. Twenty-four (51) healthy subjects were enrolled. To be included in the study, participants had to be at least 18 years of age and be in good health. The subjects wore standard polyester shirts for 90 minutes indoors in a constant temperature and indoor light environment and were asked to sit quietly in a chair. After a short rest, the procedure was continued for another 90 minutes with the subjects wearing 42% Celliant/58% polyester shirts. TCPO2 measurements were measured by standard Clarke electrodes placed on skin heated to 44°C to eliminate an increase in localized skin temperature as a possible source of increased oxygen. 17 participants had one electrode placed on their chests, 7 participants had three electrodes (two on the abdomen, one on the chest) and 27 participants had two electrodes placed on their abdomen and bicep). The TCPO2 measurements were taken at 10-minute intervals.

Results
There was a statistically significant increase in mean TCPO2 levels associated with wearing the Celliant shirts observed at 30, 60 and 90 minute intervals, with the greatest increase, at 90 minutes, reflecting an approximate 7% overall average increase in skin oxygen levels. The increases in TCPO2 levels associated with the Celliant shirt corroborated earlier findings performed in the limbs that oxygen levels increase when socks or gloves made from Celliant fibers are worn. Given that in both trials, the transcutaneous oxygen probes were heated to 44°C and skin temperature levels did not significantly vary between the two garments, it is unlikely that the effect observed was due to increases in skin temperature causing secondary effects on skin blood flow.

Download the full study (PDF) >>