Are You Really Being Protected?

If you've ever been injured during sports, or been worried about getting injured, you're probably familiar with strapping on protective gear - like mouth guards and cups - out on the field. Are they as effective as they're made out to be? Apparently, not. We spill the beans on the equipment you should be wearing and those that are better off staying in the locker.

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1. Biceps Bands

Biceps bands keep your arms dry and make them look better. While they won’t hinder you, expect nothing else from them. “Unless you have a serious sweat problem, biceps bands are purely cosmetic,” says Dr Douglas B. McKeag, director of the Indiana University Center for Sports Medicine in the US.

 

2. Shooter Sleeves

Shooter sleeves improve muscle efficiency. Some manufacturers claim that the wraps help conserve power, boost endurance or promote blood flow. “Shooter sleeves are great for keeping your arms warm and that’s it,” says Dr McKeag. “This is the modern-day version of snake oil."  

 

3. Eye Black Grease

When used under eyes, black grease improves ability to see contrast. It's commonly spotted on the face of American footballers. Yale researchers found that the grease increases the eyes’ sensitivity to contrast. A similar product – adhesive “anti-glare” stickers – did not. Still, there’s no official word on whether the improvement significantly affects performance.

Some mouth guards have shock absorbers and additional impact protection for your teeth. If you must get one, visit your dentist for a custom grille. Custom-fit top and bottom guards outperform boil-and-bites by 50 per cent, says Cynthia Bir, PhD, lead scientist for Fox Sports Net’s Sport Science. The more snug the guard fits against your teeth, the better, she says. 

 

2. Athletic Cup

It’s supposed to transfer impact to your pubic bone so you can sustain a blow to your boys. Bir’s lab pitted the Nuttybuddy against an air cannon and measured  the distribution of force. The cup’s shape spread the blow better than some basic cups. You never know when a stray hand can do you more harm than a full-on rugby tackle.

3. Neoprene Knee Sleeves

Wrapped around an injury-prone joint, neoprene aids stability while remaining flexible. Bir hasn’t found much purpose for these, but Belgian researchers have: A neoprene sleeve applies pressure and reminds your brain to “sense” your joint’s positioning, which could prevent injury as your muscles fatigue.

4. Chest Protector

The exterior disperses impact by radiating it outwards instead of simply cushioning a hit. Chest protectors work and you don’t need a fancy one. “Any chest protector or shin pad with a hard outer shell and foam padding underneath will distribute force and reduce initial impact,” says Bir.

Tags: Health, First Aid, Gear, Health, Useful,

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