Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, world number one, has been using for the past year a hyperbaric capsule, worth $75,000, to recover better and to improve performance, informs The Wall Street Journal.
The CVAC Pod capsule was manufactured by a company in California, worldwide there are only 20 pieces, and was not prohibited for any sports. Unlike most hyperbaric chambers valued around $5,000 used by many athletes in order to saturate the blood with oxygen and to stimulate healing, CVAC Pod uses a computer-controlled valve and a vacuum pump in order to simulate conditions of high altitudes and compress muscles at regular intervals.
The Californian company claims that up to 20 minutes in the capsule three times a week can increase sport performance by improving blood circulation, generating a greater number of red blood cells, removing lactic acid and possibly stimulate production of stem cells.
Djokovic uses the capsule owned by a friend of his, a tennis coach in Alpine, New Jersey.
The tennis player admitted that he used the CVAC Pod last week in New York. “I think this capsule really helped. Not for the muscles, but more for recovering after an exhausting match. It is like a spaceship, a very interesting technology”, said Djokovic.
CVAC Systems chief executive, Allen Ruszkowski said that the capsule treatment appears to have effects on the body similar to those of strenuous exercises. He noted that technology can be twice as effective in stimulating the absorption of oxygen than blood doping, which is banned in sport.
Ruszkowski said that several famous athletes use the capsule, but insists that the company representatives are not to disclose their names because they believe that this technology is an advantage for them. Among those who own such a capsule is the rock star Axl Rose.
Djokovic became the leader of the ATP this year, after he managed a series of remarkable matches, winning 57 of the 59 games that he played. In the first eight months of the year, he triumphed in nine tournaments, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.