VERTICS.Sleeves and SUP – a statement

Author: Bjoern Twittmann

Bjoern Twittmann SUP VERTICS

Why are there no clear and unambiguous studies on the subject of compression clothing ???

In the following I try to briefly explain this – here is my (completely subjective) test report on the VERTICS.Sleeves and VERTICS.Calfs:

Since I have already participated in various studies on the subject of “compression clothing” during my time as a student of sports sciences, the theoretical background of the subject is completely clear to me – I also know all the discussions on the subject. Often the results are roughly: “The test persons feel better with it, but the measured differences are not scientifically significant.” Aesch, that’s it – if the result is not significant, it may be just a coincidence – like that Interpretation of science.

When skiing or ski touring, however, I would never want to do without my compression socks – no or less cold feet, no burning sensation and the most important thing: I FEEL better – but I also doubt whether I ski measurably better or differently. This is definitely not objectively measurable.

 

But now to the VERTICS products:

In the meantime I have worn the sleeves and the calfs in three SUP races, each about 12 kilometers long, each time about 80 minutes.

With the Vertics I became NRW champion two more races a weekend later I also won. I was also able to win the Weekend Challenge on the long haul at 11-Citys in Friesland.

Bjoern Twittmann SUP VERTICS

Would I have won the races without compression clothing? Probably already – I have no comparative values.

 

Why am I wearing the Vertics?

Because it gives me a great feeling on my arms and legs – during the race I have less stress in my forearm and after the race my legs feel much fitter. For these reasons, I am really excited about the sleeves.

In order for the effect of compression clothing to be scientifically proven, of course, science needs clear facts and figures. For example, a test with Vertics, a test without Vertics. The other test conditions must always remain the same.

And already we have the problem: If I assume that the Vertics have a positive effect on my performance, I will definitely be worse without the Vertics. Here the influencing factor “my psyche” will be greater than the Vertics factor.

So we are looking for a different test design:

Real Vertics and “Placebo” Vertics (ie Vertics without function). Ideally, the test directors also have no plan when I wear the real and when I wear the wrong vertics (double-blind study) – this will only be clarified afterwards. The problem here is: If I feel more compression on one product and less on another, then the test is no longer objective – of course, my performance and statements on the products are falsified – again, I can’t do the whole thing more objectively.

Bjoern Twittmann SUP VERTICS

Unfortunately, that wasn’t it. There are so many other problems that arise from studies with repetitive endurance performance tests: If I have to paddle the same distance or time several times (related to paddling), the late tests may motivate me to perform change. At some point, I may simply no longer be interested in this study and will slow down. Maybe I can now deal better with the required route / time because something like a training effect arises or I can better manage the route / time – then I will be faster. But maybe I ate something else before the last test / slept better or worse / had more or less stress at work / or something completely different happened, which affects my performance and I already have a massive deviation from the test that I do will complete next …

Alternatively, I could of course paddle the competition tracks again and measure the time to have a comparison with and without Vertics – does not work ???

 

Of course not: Without competition on the back of my neck I’m naturally slower in any case. So much is happening in the head that it often cannot be compensated for with the material (or clothing).

If I give a paddler a new paddle for a competition and tell him that (with the same design) this is a few grams lighter than his old paddle, the paddler will certainly be more motivated in the race and thus maybe a little faster.

Another example: If I give a triathlete a new aero helmet for the next competition, he will be more motivated by the better helmet – and probably faster too!

So we keep in mind: Finding a suitable study design, not to mention suitable subjects, is not that easy.

 

My conclusion about the Vertics:

I feel really good with the Vertics and from my point of view that is a reason enough to continue wearing them in the future! It doesn’t harm me or anyone else – that much is clear.

Bjoern Twittmann SUP VERTICS

Another factor that should not be neglected is the cooling effect with wet vertics. If it becomes too (too) why, I can splash a little water on my legs while paddling or hold my arms firmly in the water, the Vertics are already wet and I have a pleasant, relatively long-lasting cooling effect.

Author: Bjoern Twittmann

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