Cal Poly Research Study: Physiclo Pants Boost Calorie Burn & Energy Expenditure By 15%

This week, new data from the Human Performance Research Lab at Cal Poly Pomona showed that wearing Physiclo resistance pants significantly enhances the metabolic demand and energy expenditure during exercise.

Their findings included:

• 15% increase in oxygen consumption (VO2)
• 15% increase in energy expenditure (kcals/min)
• 18% increase in heart rate (bpm)
• 22% increase in ventilation (L/min)

In other words, wearing Physiclo for your workout will push your body to work harder and help you burn 15% MORE calories compared to wearing your regular gym wear.

Infographic created by Stacy Ku (stacyjku@gmail.com) 

Last fall, researchers at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) reached out to us about getting several pairs of Physiclo resistance pants to put to the test in a laboratory setting. The purpose of this independent, grant-funded university study was to quantify the effects of wearing Physiclo garments on the metabolic demand & energy expenditure during exercise. 

The study looked at 16 NCAA athletes (8 male, 8 female) doing variety of exercise tasks including running, cycling, step-ups, loaded back squats, and loaded alternating lunges. Subjects wore either the Physiclo resistance pants or general exercise attire (as the control), and indirect calorimetry was used to measure oxygen consumption and other metabolic measures. A wireless electrocardiograph (ECG) system was also used to measure heart rate.  

According to Dr. Edward Jo, professor of Exercise Physiology at Cal Poly Pomona and lead researcher in the study, the evidence showed that Physiclo resistance garments are an "effective conditioning strategy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike", although quantifying the long-term benefits would require further testing.

A manuscript for the full study is currently being prepared and submitted for peer-reviewed publication.