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Evidence-Based Apparel Takes Flight Under Armor revolutionized the performance apparel industry when founder Kevin Plank launched moisturewicking gear for serious athletes in 1996. Now Alignmed of California has taken it to the next level with evidence-based apparel. Backed by studies from sports medicine clinics including the Kerlan Jobe Sports Medicine Clinic and the Steadman Sports Medicine Institute, Alignmed’s evidence-based apparel consists of a series of neuro-bands, with specific tensions, mapped to stimulate neuro-muscular structures. The muscles of the body fire messages to the brain requesting additional support of the skeletal structure, the physiologic apparel creates a positive anatomical change, training the body to align itself and to reduce postural strains and tissue imbalances. “EBA incorporates tension specific banding that works with the soft tissues in your body to keep the joints in proper alignment; much like the concept of kinesio tapping,” said Alignmed President Bill Schultz. “In the upper extremity garment, the Posture Shirt, the bands are aiding in restoring normal shoulder and scapular kinematics. In the lower extremity garment, the Knee Support System tights, the bands are aiding in restoring the normal hip and knee kinematics.” As a nonsurgical alternative for spinal- and joint-related problems, the evidence-based apparel line of pants and shirts has proven effective in reducing or eliminating pain. Further by keeping the body in alignment, the garments prevent injuries, increase flexibility and improve sports performance. When the body is in alignment, or neutral anatomy, strength and power increase directly impact athletic performance. “Athletes who wants to perform at their personal best, should know that this cannot be reached in compromised anatomy,” Schultz said. “Not only can they not reach their greatest potential, but also injury can be a result. Many injuries in sports don’t come from one individual trauma, but rather from a series of minute traumas in compromised anatomy.” So can everyone, even nonathletes, benefit from evidence-based apparel? “Yes,” Schultz said. “Our day-to-day activities such as cleaning, preparing food, driving, sitting at a desk and even gravity, pull us out of our natural anatomical balance. Our bodies begin to stay in that imbalance as we have inadvertently trained our muscles to be there. Anyone interested in an aid to combat these elements will love the support.” People who spend many hours of the day in compromised positions like surgeons, dentists, truck drivers, mechanics etc, have noticed a huge difference in shoulder and lower back pain when wearing the Posture Shirt. Word of caution: The apparel — made of a blend of polyester, Spandex, Lycra and cotton — is designed to fit snug. If it is not tight on the body, the tension specific banding will not give the most desired effect. If a person has never worn a tight-fitting garment before, it may feel unusual at first. But you’ll get used to it. For more information, visit www.alignmed.com.
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8 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE
MAY/JUNE 2011