[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] A distinctive wearable device has emerged that cools the palms during exercise to delay fatigue. Therabody, known for its massage guns, has unveiled its new CryoDerm Palm aimed at improving performance during workouts as it moves to target the workout-assist device market beyond the recovery device market.

On June 7 (local time), IT outlet Engadget reported that Therabody has released the CryoDerm Palm, a new product that uses palm-cooling technology. It is priced at $399.99 (about 610,000 won).

The key feature is lowering palm temperature during exercise to delay the onset of fatigue. Therabody explained that palm cooling can help maintain exercise performance and improve grip strength.

The way it is used differs from typical exercise equipment. During rest periods between sets, users place both hands on the ends of the device and receive a cooling effect for 1 to 3 minutes. It is designed so the palms directly contact the cooling surface rather than gripping a handle.

Therabody also released test results involving University of Southern California (USC) football players to support the product’s effects. The company said the athletes showed an average 58 percent increase in repetitions performed in the final set when using the CryoDerm Palm. Critics also point out that the results are based on tests conducted in a limited environment, and further verification is needed on whether the same effect will appear for general consumers.

The product also offers a heating function as well as cooling. Users can adjust temperatures in 3 intensity levels each, and it also supports contrast therapy by setting one side cold and the other side hot. The device also includes a stopwatch function that can be used to manage workout routines. Battery life is up to 120 minutes.

This product is seen as part of Therabody’s strategy to expand its business scope. The company has grown around the massage-gun market that helps post-workout recovery, but has recently been broadening its lineup into exercise performance improvement and wellness.

In fact, last year it introduced the TheraFace Mask Glow, a facial-care device applying LED light therapy, marking an entry into the beauty and healthcare market as well.

In the industry, the CryoDerm Palm is seen as differentiated from existing products in that it targets performance improvement during exercise rather than post-workout recovery. Some analysis also suggests that a price close to $400 could weigh on consumers’ purchasing decisions.

Ultimately, the CryoDerm Palm’s success appears likely to depend on how effective palm cooling is in actually improving exercise performance and whether consumers accept it as being worth $399.99.