A boost for the stars of German skiing from Osram light

Biologically effective light is helping German Ski Association athletes

As an official partner of the German Ski Association (DSV), Osram is giving its support to the Association's top athletes in the form of biologically effective light in time for the start of the new winter season. The latest research into the effects of light on the human body (human centric lighting) is being applied to boost the fitness levels of the sportsmen during pre-season training and throughout the competition season itself. Feedback from the athletes shows that they are impressed by how much the right light can help. "We are always looking for new ways to improve. In biologically effective light we have found a highly promising lever", said Karlheinz Waibel, head coach for science and technology at the DSV. Osram biologist Dr. Andreas Wojtysiak added: "We have been able to demonstrate the positive biological effects of light in several projects, such as the Ulm school study. Together with the DSV we are now using our products and our know-how to improve the performance of top athletes."

Light and its proven activating effect improves performance and reactions, reduces the effects of jet lag after long journeys and provides better quality sleep. In cooperation with Osram, the DSV is making these opportunities immediately available to its athletes. The biologically effective light was used for the first time under competitive conditions and with great success at the World Cup slalom event in Madonna die Campiglio – a night race.

The first stage involved Osram developing a special luminaire that the athletes could use each day during their preparations for competition. The luminaire is linked to a timer so that it simulates the changes in natural daylight during the course of a day. In the dark winter months in particular, this will help the athletes to start the day active and refreshed, and also help them relax more easily in the evening. The module also has a light alarm function that wakes the sportsmen in the morning and directly energizes them.

A second luminaire is provided in their common room. After long journeys, for example to World Cup skiing events in North America, the athletes are given a "light shower" that brings their circadian rhythm, in other words the human sleep/wake cycle, back in sync. They therefore recover twice as fast as usual from the change of time zones and suffer less from the symptoms of jet lag. The luminaire can also be used, for example, to support the rhythms of biathletes, cross-country skiers and Nordic combined specialists during competition and training in Scandinavian countries, where there is little or no daylight, and therefore boost their performance and improve their moods.

Osram and the DSV are already planning further ways to use biologically effective light. This will mainly involve ways to improve performance and increase concentration before and during competitions.