For improving sports performance, flexibility is perhaps one of the most neglected factors. Many athletes will instantly train other, more obvious attributes in preference, those often being strength, speed and stamina. However, Hyperice feels that flexibility has been neglected too long, and are now developing a vibration therapy which they have proven to improve flexibility amongst athletes.
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Hyperice aims to create sports products which focus on improving recovery time and preventing injury, and were first brought to our attention through their innovative muscle ice compression system in 2014. Following this, they released the HYPERSPHERE, a soft-tissue ball used to help the body stay loose through applying targeted muscle pressure.
Now, they are hoping to shift the sports technology world’s attention to VYPER, a therapy delivering high-frequency vibrations into the body from a purpose-made fitness roller. Similarly to the HYPERSPHERE, the aims include loosening muscles and increasing circulation.
To confirm these benefits, they recently conducted a study which links the use of VYPER tech with an improved range of body motion, and hope to use it as not only a recovery tool, but also to improve sports performance. The device can deliver three different speeds of vibration, all from a small, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and can be bought for $199.
The biomechanical study focussed on a mix of 12 top-amateur and professional golfers, and cleverly included very tangible stats in the results. With a 6-iron, shot carry distance was increased by an average of 5.5 yards, the equivalent of 12 yards for shots with a driver. Not only this, but they claim that using VYPER increased shot efficiency, accuracy, footwork and overall performance.
Despite the obvious potential, it must not be forgotten that the sample size was only extremely small, and so there will still be obvious convincing needed for many in the sporting community. However, if the study holds up, instead of hitting the gym to reach that elusive distance marker at the driving range, there might now be a better way.