RECOVERY SCIENCE
01
FCTR: your recovery partner
FCTR only uses ingredients that are supported by thorough, peer-reviewed research and clinical studies. FCTR products work by adding their clinically proven ingredients to your own body’s recovery cycle.
Here are some articles about the rapidly developing science of athletic recovery:
- The Guardian (2019), ‘The Secrets of Sports Recovery’.
- Science for Sport, ‘Recovery’
- Outside Magazine (2019), ‘Sweat Science: What’s New In Sports Recovery Research’
- Kellman et al (2017), ‘Recovery and Performance in Sport: Consensus Statement",International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance.
02
Cannabidiol (CBD) and sport
Since 2018, when WADA removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances, athletes in all disciplines have adopted CBD enthusiastically.
In developing our products, we identified three key issues:
- Everyone is concerned about remaining WADA-compliant and using 100% THC-free, clean products.
- Everyone is concerned about the high prices of CBD products.
- Some athletes are less comfortable taking the commonly available CBD tinctures.
All FCTR products use clean ingredients with a clear supply chain. They are based on thorough, peer-reviewed research and clinical studies.
FCTR delivers pure CBD topically using the most effective gel medium, requiring only one hand. This means FCTR allows athletes to focus on key problem areas and be ready for their next session as soon as possible. Our gels are absorbed rapidly and without residue, so your hands and the rest of your body remain dry, ready to catch the next pass, swing a kettlebell or muscle up on rings with confidence.
03
CBD: real scientific research
Unlike many other CBD brands, FCTR doesn’t pay for so-called “research”. We don’t use the results of a single study to try to prove that CBD is a miracle product. All the studies below are from real, independent researchers doing rigorous work.
While scientists have been learning about the hundreds of molecules contained in the hemp plant since the 1940s, CBD research is relatively recent. However, in 2018 the World Health Organisation issued an extensive scientific report on CBD, concluding that:
- There is no evidence of any effects linking CBD with substance abuse or dependence
- in human clinical trials, CBD is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile
- there is no evidence of public health problems as a result of CBD use
- CBD has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for epilepsy
- there is preliminary evidence for CBD as an effective treatment for other medical conditions, including due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.
CBD and sports recovery: the research
Research Paper No 1
Effects of Topical CBD on Muscle Pain
Conducted at: The Medical University of Silesia and others.
Published in: Journal of Clinical Medicine (2019).
Key findings: A topical CBD ointment was shown to significantly relieve pain and tension in facial muscles.
Download this paper.
Published in: Journal of Clinical Medicine (2019).
Key findings: A topical CBD ointment was shown to significantly relieve pain and tension in facial muscles.
Download this paper.
Research Paper No 2
Effect of Topical CBD on Nerve Pain
Conducted at: Scripps Mercy Hospital and others.
Published in: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (2020).
Key findings: Topical application of CBD can significantly reduce intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations in those suffering from nerve pain.
Download this paper.
Published in: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (2020).
Key findings: Topical application of CBD can significantly reduce intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations in those suffering from nerve pain.
Download this paper.
Research Paper No 3
CBD in Sport
Conducted at: The University of Lille and others.
Published in: Pharmacological Research (2020).
Key findings: Athletes could benefit from CBD to manage pain, inflammation and the swelling processes associated with injury.
Download this paper.
Published in: Pharmacological Research (2020).
Key findings: Athletes could benefit from CBD to manage pain, inflammation and the swelling processes associated with injury.
Download this paper.
Research Paper No 4
CBD and Sports Performance
Conducted at: The University of Sydney and Griffith University.
Published in: Springer Sports Medicine - Open (2020).
Key findings: In animal studies, CBD shows anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective and pain relieving effects. Early stage clinical studies suggest that CBD may reduce anxiety in “stress-inducing” situations. While further research is needed, CBD may exert a number of physiological, biochemical, and psychological effects with the potential to benefit athletes.
Download this paper.
Published in: Springer Sports Medicine - Open (2020).
Key findings: In animal studies, CBD shows anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective and pain relieving effects. Early stage clinical studies suggest that CBD may reduce anxiety in “stress-inducing” situations. While further research is needed, CBD may exert a number of physiological, biochemical, and psychological effects with the potential to benefit athletes.
Download this paper.
Research Paper No 5
The influence of CBD on delayed onset of muscle soreness
Conducted at: University of South Carolina Aiken.
Published in: International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health (2020).
Key findings: When used immediately after training, CBD appears to reduce muscle soreness, including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In addition, the rate of recovery from muscle soreness with CBD use is greater than that from a control or no intervention.
Download this paper.
Published in: International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health (2020).
Key findings: When used immediately after training, CBD appears to reduce muscle soreness, including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In addition, the rate of recovery from muscle soreness with CBD use is greater than that from a control or no intervention.
Download this paper.
Research Paper No 6
CBD use by male professional rugby union and league players
Conducted at: Liverpool John Moores University and Edge Hill University.
Published in: International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2020).
Key findings: In a study of 25 professional rugby union and league teams in the UK, more than 25% of players were either using CBD or had used it. More than 40% of players who were older than 28 used CBD. The main reasons for use were to improve recovery and manage pain and to enhance sleep. Nearly 70% of the players using CBD reported it was beneficial for them.
Download this paper.
Published in: International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2020).
Key findings: In a study of 25 professional rugby union and league teams in the UK, more than 25% of players were either using CBD or had used it. More than 40% of players who were older than 28 used CBD. The main reasons for use were to improve recovery and manage pain and to enhance sleep. Nearly 70% of the players using CBD reported it was beneficial for them.
Download this paper.
Research Paper No 7
The effect of a CBD based massage oil on muscle recovery
Conducted at: Edge Hill University.
Published in: University research dissertation (2020).
Key findings: After a downhill run to exhaustion, CBD oil was effective in reducing levels of perceived leg pain and muscle inflammation.
Download this paper.
Published in: University research dissertation (2020).
Key findings: After a downhill run to exhaustion, CBD oil was effective in reducing levels of perceived leg pain and muscle inflammation.
Download this paper.
Research Paper No 8
Therapeutic potential of CBD
Conducted at: University of São Paulo.
Published in: Frontiers in Immunology (2018).
Key findings: Among the many cannabinoids, CBD does not produce the typical subjective effects of marijuana. CBD has anti-anxiety, antipsychotic and neuro-protective properties. In addition, CBD has potential use in epilepsy, substance abuse and dependence, and post-traumatic stress.
Download this paper.
Published in: Frontiers in Immunology (2018).
Key findings: Among the many cannabinoids, CBD does not produce the typical subjective effects of marijuana. CBD has anti-anxiety, antipsychotic and neuro-protective properties. In addition, CBD has potential use in epilepsy, substance abuse and dependence, and post-traumatic stress.
Download this paper.
FCTR Gels
Sports gel with 300mg CBD. A gently warming or cooling effect with a distinctive, uplifting fragrance.
Made in Japan with globally compliant CBD. Zero THC. Our proprietary gel medium ensures clean application, rapid absorption and no sticky or greasy residue.
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Clean application. Rapid absorption.
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Uplifting fragrance.
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Cooling or Warming.
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300mg CBD. Zero THC.