Application Of Mxene-based Thermoregulation Wearable Device In The Warm-up Transition Phase For Athlete Training

Warm-up exercises, a crucial component of athletic training, effectively enhance muscular performance and facilitate subsequent physical activities. The lengthy warm-up transition phases commonly experienced by athletes may reduce the benefits of the warm-up, which could potentially result in a decrease in their performance. PURPOSE: Based on the heat management needs of athletes during the warm-up transition phases, we developed a wearable device to prevent the muscle heat loss and maintain the skin temperature during this period. METHODS: Firstly, a thermoregulatory wearable device called G-M-BC/PEG was developed by integrating MXene, graphene, PEG-2000 and bacterial cellulose aerogel utilizing freeze-drying and vacuum impregnation techniques. Then we conducted a series of tests to evaluate its physicochemical properties. Secondly, we established an exercise model to evaluate the effectiveness of this device. Subsequently, we conducted further equipment optimization based on the feedback from physical experiment data and the evaluations of this device usage. RESULTS: The 1d-G-M-BC/PEG (Containing 50 g MXene) temperature-regulating wearable device showed an effective and superior performance. Tests have confirmed that this device efficiently converts light into heat and can be safely applied. The Tskin values of the group wearing the devices at both 10mins and 15mins after warm-up were significantly increased by 1.96 °C, compared to those immediately after warm-up (P < 0.05). The application scenario experiment demonstrated an improvement in 200-meter sprint time performance, with the group wearing the devices showing a 0.8% ± 0.4% enhancement compared to the group without such devices (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The G-M-BC/PEG wearable device helps to reduce heat loss during the warm-up transition phases without the need for external power generators, allowing athletes to maintain their optimal skin temperature and enhance their performance. Supported by: Supported by the International Exchange Program for Graduate Students, Tongji University