"The first stage was to look at top sprinters, see how they move and how individual muscle groups work", explains James Lamont of the adidas innovation team. "We needed to understand how we could harness power and complement muscle movements by applying compression in key areas. Lycra Power bands are wrapped around the lower thigh just above the knee, encircling the leg. Then we link the power bands up the back of the thigh and round into the abdominal muscles through to the real power in the centre of the body. The result is that all the key muscles are held in place helping the athlete to drive forward."