Nike has released a pair of glasses meant to improve the overall performance of athletes. The glasses, which have proven extremely difficult to find for purchase, have been effectively improving athlete’s balance, stamina, focus, precision, resistance and more.
The Nike Strobe Glasses work by temporarily handicapping the athlete’s vision while they are practicing. Similar to how baseball players weigh down their baseball bats, or runners drag something heavy behind them, the glasses are intended to give athlete’s that certain “edge”, to set them apart from the others. The glasses have indeed been reported to increase reflexes and timing. The strobe lights inside the glasses actually blind the athlete’s for a short amount of time sequences. Doing this makes it more difficult to perform drills revolving around balance and reaction. The drill should not be unattainable or inconceivable, just more difficult.
To test the glasses, the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes became test subjects. The test only included eleven players, but the results were significant and worth reporting. For the study, the NHL players were instructed to perform a basic skating and puck handling drill. The drill was to be followed by either a shot at a goal or a long pass. Both were graded for accuracy. Once the drills were completed, the performance of each player was documented. The next stage of the study was sixteen days of pre-season training. Some players wore the Nike Strobe Glasses every day and some were instructed not to. Ultimately, researchers found that the glasses actually did improve the performance of the players. The accuracy of the players who wore the glasses improved, and those who were instructed not to remained the same.
Sports revolve around the concept of competition. And in a world of competition, it is believed you need something to set you apart in order to be the best. Being able to perform at your absolute best, no matter what happens, is what the Nike Strobe Glasses believe they can aid in achieving.
When the glasses first hit the market, they were sold for $300. Unfortunately, Nike has discontinued them. It has not been reported what the reasoning was, but it is still possible to find the glasses on EBay and similar sites. There’s also a Japanese company that makes a pair, if you’re interested in trying a newer set.
We haven’t experimented with the glasses, but we’re always interested in how different forms of light can improve your life! So if you give them a go, be sure to report back!
