The clinical efficacy of the Formostar infrared body wrap system on neuromuscular conditions

Abstract

A combined qualitative–quantitative study was conducted to research the clinical efficacy of the Formostar Far-Infrared Body Wrap System on neuromuscular conditions. A total of 22 participants that met the inclusion criteria were selected at random. Participants consisted of both women and men ranging from 22 to 68 years of age with varying neuromuscular conditions. Participants received 40 min Formostar sessions twice a week for a period of two weeks. The four sessions were offered to participants based on: ensuring continuity of commitment from research subjects. Exploring the efficacy of the Formostar as a device that could assist with a rapid turn around of symptomatic neuromuscular conditions. Quantitative and qualitative data was taken prior to first treatment and 24–48 h after last treatment. Pre-test and post-test data was taken in the form of thermal EMG scan, weight, height, body fat percentage, McGill's pain questionnaire, body circumference measurements, blood pressure, and pulse rate.Results: A review of the demographic data reveals a generalised trend towards improvement in the neuromuscular condition for the majority of the participants. 15 out of the 18 participants demonstrated some pain reduction across a variety of symptoms with an average reduction of pain levels of 4.67 based on the McGill's pain scale, indicating that the Formostar can aid the management of pain.Discussion: The variance of presenting complaints in the demographic field for this research meant that there was no uniform targeting of specific areas of the body, such as the lumbar or the shoulder region. In review, the Formostar does show specific efficacy in its usage and the researchers concluded that it is best used as an adjunct system in the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, assisting with techniques such as soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulation, joint mobilisation techniques, massage therapy to name but a few. The Formostar also appeared to show good results as a post sports intensive rehabilitation machine, where sports athletes such as cyclists and runners were asked to undertake the Formostar and displayed a noticeable decrease in their fatigue and increase in their recovery rates. A combined qualitative–quantitative study was conducted to research the clinical efficacy of the Formostar Far-Infrared Body Wrap System on neuromuscular conditions. A total of 22 participants that met the inclusion criteria were selected at random. Participants consisted of both women and men ranging from 22 to 68 years of age with varying neuromuscular conditions. Participants received 40 min Formostar sessions twice a week for a period of two weeks. The four sessions were offered to participants based on: ensuring continuity of commitment from research subjects. Exploring the efficacy of the Formostar as a device that could assist with a rapid turn around of symptomatic neuromuscular conditions. Quantitative and qualitative data was taken prior to first treatment and 24–48 h after last treatment. Pre-test and post-test data was taken in the form of thermal EMG scan, weight, height, body fat percentage, McGill's pain questionnaire, body circumference measurements, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Results: A review of the demographic data reveals a generalised trend towards improvement in the neuromuscular condition for the majority of the participants. 15 out of the 18 participants demonstrated some pain reduction across a variety of symptoms with an average reduction of pain levels of 4.67 based on the McGill's pain scale, indicating that the Formostar can aid the management of pain. Discussion: The variance of presenting complaints in the demographic field for this research meant that there was no uniform targeting of specific areas of the body, such as the lumbar or the shoulder region. In review, the Formostar does show specific efficacy in its usage and the researchers concluded that it is best used as an adjunct system in the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, assisting with techniques such as soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulation, joint mobilisation techniques, massage therapy to name but a few. The Formostar also appeared to show good results as a post sports intensive rehabilitation machine, where sports athletes such as cyclists and runners were asked to undertake the Formostar and displayed a noticeable decrease in their fatigue and increase in their recovery rates.