Where should the assessment start?
The Australian Institute of Sport covers recovery, sleep and other aspects of an athlete’s routine in its REST resources. Work with your coach and support team to identify what to monitor and what needs to change in your current routine.
Does red light or infrared help recovery?
One positive study does not establish effectiveness for every device. The cited futsal and judo trials had different results. Interpretation requires the participant group, method, dose and measured outcomes. Research on photobiomodulation is not automatically evidence for IRELT equipment.
Assessing a recovery service
Ask the provider to distinguish subjective experience, measured performance and health claims. Find out where the promised result comes from and whether evidence concerns the device being offered. A testimonial can describe an experience but cannot establish a treatment effect on its own.
Planning a gym service
Assess the user group, premises, staff guidance and maintenance. Agree what customers will be told before offering the service. IRELT’s device comparison supports decisions about construction and placement; it is not evidence of faster recovery.
Sources and further reading
Futsal: randomized placebo-controlled trial (2018)