How do Nike arm sleeves improve basketball shooting. What are the key benefits of wearing compression sleeves for shooters. Why should basketball players consider using arm sleeves during games and practice. Can compression sleeves really enhance shooting performance on the court.
The Science Behind Nike Arm Sleeves and Shooting Performance
Nike arm sleeves have become increasingly popular among basketball players, from amateur enthusiasts to professional athletes. But do they really make a difference in shooting performance? Let’s explore the science and benefits behind these innovative accessories.
How Compression Technology Affects Muscle Function
Compression technology is at the heart of Nike arm sleeves’ effectiveness. How does it work? The gentle pressure applied by the sleeve helps stabilize muscles and joints, improving proprioception – the body’s ability to sense its position in space. This enhanced awareness can lead to more consistent shooting mechanics and improved accuracy.
Does compression actually increase blood flow? Yes, studies have shown that moderate compression can enhance circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This improved blood flow can help delay fatigue and maintain shooting strength throughout the game.
Thermal Regulation: Keeping Muscles Warm and Ready
One of the key benefits of Nike arm sleeves is their ability to regulate temperature in the shooting arm. How do they achieve this?
- Heat retention: The sleeve traps body heat, keeping muscles warm and loose
- Moisture-wicking: Nike’s Dri-FIT fabric pulls sweat away from the skin
- Evaporative cooling: Sweat evaporates from the sleeve’s surface, providing a cooling effect
Why is thermal regulation important for shooters? Warm muscles perform better, maintaining flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, keeping the skin dry prevents the negative impact of sweat on grip and ball control.
Injury Prevention and Recovery Benefits
Nike arm sleeves offer more than just performance enhancement – they can also play a role in injury prevention and recovery.
Reducing Strain on Joints and Tendons
How do arm sleeves help prevent injuries? The compression and support provided by the sleeves can reduce strain on vulnerable areas like the elbow and shoulder. This is particularly beneficial during repetitive shooting motions and sudden movements common in basketball.
Accelerating Post-Game Recovery
Can arm sleeves help with recovery after intense games or practices? Indeed, the improved circulation promoted by compression sleeves can aid in removing metabolic waste from muscles, potentially reducing post-game soreness and speeding up recovery time.
Mental Edge: The Psychological Impact of Wearing Arm Sleeves
While the physical benefits of Nike arm sleeves are well-documented, the psychological impact shouldn’t be overlooked.
Do arm sleeves provide a mental edge? Many players report feeling more confident and “locked in” when wearing arm sleeves. This psychological boost can translate to improved focus and performance on the court.
Is there a placebo effect at play? While some of the perceived benefits may be due to the placebo effect, research has shown that even placebo effects can lead to real performance improvements in sports.
Customization and Style: Finding the Right Fit
Nike offers a range of arm sleeve options to suit different player preferences and needs.
Choosing the Right Size and Compression Level
How important is proper sizing for arm sleeves? Selecting the right size is crucial for maximizing the benefits of compression technology. A sleeve that’s too tight can restrict movement, while one that’s too loose won’t provide adequate support.
What compression level is best for basketball? Most players find that moderate compression (15-20 mmHg) provides the optimal balance of support and comfort for basketball activities.
Style and Self-Expression on the Court
Beyond function, arm sleeves have become a popular way for players to express their personal style on the court. Nike offers a variety of colors and designs, allowing players to coordinate with team colors or make a bold individual statement.
Practical Considerations: When and How to Use Arm Sleeves
To maximize the benefits of Nike arm sleeves, it’s important to understand when and how to use them effectively.
Pre-Game Warm-Up and In-Game Use
Should arm sleeves be worn during warm-ups? Wearing sleeves during pre-game warm-ups can help prepare muscles for optimal performance. Many players choose to keep them on throughout the game to maintain the benefits.
Care and Maintenance
How should Nike arm sleeves be cared for? Proper care extends the life of the sleeves and ensures they maintain their compression properties:
- Wash in cold water after each use
- Avoid fabric softeners, which can degrade the elastic fibers
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
- Replace sleeves when they lose elasticity or show signs of wear
Beyond Shooting: Additional Benefits for Basketball Players
While the focus is often on shooting performance, Nike arm sleeves offer benefits that extend to other aspects of basketball play.
Improved Ball Handling and Dribbling
Can arm sleeves enhance dribbling skills? The increased proprioception and muscle support can lead to improved control and confidence when handling the ball. This can be particularly beneficial for guards and players who frequently drive to the basket.
Defense and Rebounding
Do arm sleeves provide advantages on defense? The added support and potential for quicker muscle recovery can benefit defensive players, especially when contesting shots or battling for rebounds.
The Future of Performance Wear: Innovations in Arm Sleeve Technology
As sports technology continues to advance, what innovations can we expect in arm sleeve design?
Smart Fabrics and Biometric Tracking
Will future arm sleeves incorporate biometric sensors? It’s likely that we’ll see the integration of smart fabrics capable of tracking muscle fatigue, heart rate, and other performance metrics. This data could provide valuable insights for training and in-game strategy.
Customized Compression Patterns
How might arm sleeves become more personalized? Advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing could allow for sleeves with customized compression patterns tailored to an individual player’s physiology and playing style.
In conclusion, Nike arm sleeves offer a range of potential benefits for basketball players looking to enhance their shooting performance and overall game. From improved muscle support and thermal regulation to injury prevention and psychological benefits, these accessories have earned their place in many players’ gear bags. As with any performance equipment, individual results may vary, but the science and player testimonials suggest that arm sleeves are worth considering for serious basketball players at any level.
For basketball players looking to improve their shooting performance, Nike compression sleeves for your shooting arm offer many potential benefits. Here are 15 compelling reasons to try them out:
Compression Sleeves Provide Support and Stability for Your Shooting Arm
The gentle, squeezing pressure of a snug compression sleeve helps stabilize the muscles and joints in your shooting arm. This can improve proprioception and awareness of your arm’s position in space, resulting in better shooting mechanics and more consistent shot accuracy. The stabilization can also help reduce micro-movements during your shooting motion.
Sleeves Keep Muscles Warm and Reduce Fatigue When Shooting Jumpshots
The fabric helps trap heat against your arm to keep your shooting muscles warm and loose. This promotes blood flow, delays onset muscle fatigue, and helps you maintain shooting strength even late in games when arms typically tire. The right amount of compression can also speed recovery between shots.
Moisture-Wicking Material Keeps Your Skin Cool and Dry During Games
Nike Dri-FIT fabric pulls sweat off your skin and onto the surface of the sleeve, where it evaporates. This wicking action helps regulate your body temperature and prevents sweaty arms that could impact your shooting grip and feel. The fabric’s cooling effect helps delay arm fatigue as well.
Tight Fit Helps Maximize Blood Flow to Your Shooting Arm and Hand
The snug compression fit improves circulation and venous blood flow back to your heart. Better circulation provides more oxygen and nutrients to your shooting muscles, helping delay fatigue. Improved blood flow to your hands can also keep them warmer for better feel and grip on the basketball.
Reduced Arm Soreness and Quicker Muscle Recovery After Games
The increased blood circulation provided by compression sleeves helps remove metabolic waste from your arm muscles. This aids muscle recovery, so you experience less post-game soreness in your shooting arm. Faster recovery means you come back strong and ready to shoot your best in the next game.
May Help Prevent Elbow and Shoulder Injuries During Shooting Motion
The compression and stabilization from sleeves provide extra support to vulnerable arm joints like your elbow. This can aid injury prevention by reducing strain on tendons, ligaments, and muscles in your shooting arm and shoulder during repetitive shooting motions and awkward landings.
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Looking to boost your jumpshot and shooting performance on the basketball court? Nike compression sleeves are a game-changing accessory that every hooper should consider trying. Here’s an in-depth look at how they can improve your shooting skills:
Sleeves Keep Muscles Warm and Reduce Fatigue When Shooting Jumpshots
One of the key benefits of wearing a snug compression sleeve on your shooting arm is keeping your shooting muscles warm. The sleeves trap your natural body heat and promote increased blood circulation in your arm. This helps delay the onset of muscle fatigue so you can keep nailing buckets late into those intense 4th quarter showdowns when arms start dragging.
Warm, loose muscles simply operate better and allow you to maintain proper shooting mechanics for longer. Cold muscles tighten up, limiting range of motion. This throws off your shooting motion and arc. The sleeve’s gentle compression also improves recovery between shots so you regain strength quickly to consistently sink multiple shots in a row.
Moisture-Wicking Fabric Regulates Temperature and Grip
Nike’s high-performance Dri-FIT fabric pulls sweat off your skin and onto the sleeve’s exterior so it can evaporate. This wicking action helps regulate body temperature to keep you cooler when you heat up from a hard-nosed matchup. Damp, sweaty arms obviously impact your shooting, so staying dry equals better performance.
Excess arm sweat also degrades your shooting grip and feel for the ball. But with moisture pulled outer layer, you maintain a solid and controlled grip on the rock when rising up off the catch.
Max Blood Flow for Fresh Shooting Muscles
In addition to warmth, the snug sleeve fit maximizes blood circulation to your shooting arm and hand. More blood flow brings extra oxygen and nutrients that delay fatigue so you can keep nailing bucket after bucket when the game is on the line. It also flushes out waste products like lactic acid.
Improved circulation to your hand keeps it warmer as well. Increased hand temperature provides better overall feel and control when palming the rock. You know exactly when to add the perfect touch or spin for a splashy swish.
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If you’re looking to step up your basketball shooting game, Nike compression sleeves provide some compelling performance benefits. One of the key advantages is how they help regulate temperature and moisture:
Moisture-Wicking Material Keeps Your Skin Cool and Dry During Games
Let’s face it – nothing tanks your shooting touch faster than having a slippery grip from sweaty arms. Nike’s high-performance Dri-FIT fabric is expertly engineered to pull perspiration off your skin and onto the outer layer of the sleeve where it can evaporate. This wicking action is a game-changer.
Excess arm sweat compromises your handle and feel for the ball. But moisture-wicking sleeves keep your shooting arm dry, improving grip and control. No more wet balls slipping out of your hands when attempting clutch jumpers and game-winning free throws.
Wicking also regulates body temperature by dispersing heat buildup. As competition intensifies, cooling sleeves prevent you from overheating. Staying dry equals performing at your best for all four quarters.
Traps Natural Body Heat
In addition to moisture wicking, the snug compression fit is designed to trap your natural body heat. This keeps your shooting muscles and joints warmed up and loose for ideal motion and mechanics.
Cold muscles tighten, reducing mobility. But sleeves maintain ideal warmth and flexibility so you can fully extend on your jumper and nail nothing but net. Proper warmth also delays onset muscle fatigue so your shots stay strong all game long.
Maximizes Blood Circulation
The sleeve’s gentle compression improves blood flow to your shooting arm, transporting more oxygen and nutrients. This boost in circulation delays fatigue, allowing you to keep sinking buckets in clutch moments.
Better blood flow also carries away lactic acid and other waste products. This speeds recovery between shots so you can maintain accuracy on multiple repetitions.
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Looking to improve your jump shot accuracy and shooting range? One of the key benefits of Nike compression sleeves is how they maximize blood circulation to your shooting arm and hand:
Tight Fit Helps Maximize Blood Flow to Your Shooting Arm and Hand
The sleeves’ snug, second-skin fit gently applies pressure to improve venous blood flow back to your heart. This boosts circulation, transporting more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles in your shooting arm.
Better oxygenation delays the onset of fatigue so you can keep nailing buckets late into close games when shooting legs typically fade. The fresh nutrient flow also speeds recovery between shots, allowing you to consistently sink multiple shots in a row.
Flushes Out Metabolic Waste
In addition to oxygen, improved blood flow also carries away lactic acid and other waste products from your shooting muscles. This aids recovery and reduces post-game soreness so you come back feeling fresh.
Efficient waste removal keeps muscles operating at peak for clutch situations. You’ll have the strength and stamina to rise up confidently for that game-winning three as time expires.
Warms Up Your Hands
Better circulation also keeps the hands warmer. This is key for maximizing shooting performance. Warmer hand temperature provides better overall feel and control of the ball.
You’ll have a precise handle on the rock and ability to add the perfect spin, touch, and trajectory. Your hands being colder negatively impacts grip, feel, and shooting accuracy.
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If you want to keep your shooting arm feeling fresh and ready to perform at a high level, Nike compression sleeves can help reduce arm soreness and speed up muscle recovery:
Reduced Arm Soreness and Quicker Muscle Recovery After Games
The gentle compression provided by the sleeves increases blood and lymph flow, which helps remove metabolic waste from your shooting muscles. Lactic acid and other byproducts of exertion are flushed out more efficiently.
This aids muscle recovery so you experience less residual soreness and tightness in your shooting arm after battles in the paint. You’ll bounce back quicker and handle the ball with the same touch and feel.
Maintain Strength and Stamina
Faster recovery means you’ll regain strength and stamina more quickly for the next matchup. Your shooting won’t degrade due to nagging arm fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness.
Consistently sinking buckets demands fresh, resilient arms. Quicker recovery keeps muscles operating at peak levels instead of weakening over the course of a grueling tournament or playoff run.
Prevents Injury
Flushing out waste products may also help prevent microtears and strains in muscle tissue caused by overexertion. This reduces risk of a more severe arm or elbow injury that could sideline you.
Protecting your money-maker shooting arm is crucial. Sleeves support joint health so you stay on the floor helping your team win games.
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If you want to keep your body healthy and shooting arm injury-free, Nike compression sleeves can provide some protection benefits:
May Help Prevent Elbow and Shoulder Injuries During Shooting Motion
The gentle compression applied by the sleeves provides supplementary joint support to your shooting arm and shoulder. This can help stabilize muscles and tendons and reduce strain placed on them during repetitive shooting motions.
The extra stability and support help protect vulnerable areas like your elbow joint from jarring loads and impacts, especially on awkward landings. Reduced joint strain may lower risk of painful overuse injuries like tennis elbow or jumper’s knee.
Counteract Fatigue
Compression also counteracts muscle fatigue. As arms tire, shooting form and mechanics falter. But sleeves help delay fatigue so you can maintain proper shooting technique longer.
Consistent form equals safer motion. Breakdowns in shooting mechanics due to exhaustion increase injury risk. Sleeves help prevent sloppy shots that could tweak your elbow or shoulder.
Quicker Recovery
Faster recovery between shots provided by sleeves ensures muscles stay fresh and resilient. They don’t get overworked and tight, which can lead to tissue damage and strains.
Strong, vibrant shooting muscles better withstand the pounding of high intensity play. You’ll have the endurance to shoot pain-free all the way through playoff season.
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In addition to performance benefits, wearing Nike compression sleeves can provide a mental boost as well from their sleek, athletic look:
Confidence Boost From Cool, Athletic Look and Feel on Your Arms
Let’s be real, sleeves just look cool on the court. The tight fit and bold colors give off a serious hooper vibe. When you glance down and see Nike’s signature sleeve aesthetic, it triggers a surge of hoops confidence.
Feeling like the real deal translates into playing like it. You’ll rise up for jumpers with supreme belief knowing you’ve got that icy game day drip. Looking good brings an edge.
Physical Feedback
Beyond aesthetics, the feel of the sleeve provides tangible physical feedback as you play. The soft, smooth fabric gliding over your skin tells your brain you’re equipped for top performance.
This subconscious signal helps you get in the mindstate to succeed. You feel the part of an elite marksman ready to catch fire from downtown at any moment.
Focus
The sleeve’s constant slight compression can also improve mental focus and awareness. The extra physical sensation helps lock you into the moment and drown out distractions.
Superior focus equals superior shooting. Dialed-in concentration makes the rim look that much wider. You’ll be in the zone ready to fill it up.
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One appealing aspect of Nike’s compression sleeve lineup is the wide range of colors and styles available to coordinate with your team’s uniform:
Variety of Bold Colors and Styles to Match Your Team Uniform
Nike offers their high-performance compression sleeves in a rainbow of colors to perfectly complement your team’s jerseys. There are bright, vibrant shades like red, highlighter yellow, neon green – pretty much anything to match your team colors.
This makes it easy to accessorize and look put together in team swag from head to toe. Mix and match different colored sleeves for home and away kits.
Beyond Team Colors
In addition to team-coordinated colors, Nike has cool camo prints, multi-color fades, and graphic pattern sleeves to customize your look.
Stand out from teammates by styling your uniform with unique sleeve designs. Or keep it simple and clean with basic black. The options are endless.
Different Cuts
Not only colors, but sleeve cuts and lengths vary too. Choose between short and long sleeves. Go for basic sleeves, elbow sleeves, or full arm sleeves depending on your preference.
With all the color and style variety, you can match different sleeve designs to each of your team’s uniforms for a coordinated and complete look.
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One of the top reasons Nike compression sleeves stand out is the high-performance Dri-FIT fabric used in their construction:
High-Quality Nike Dri-FIT Material for Comfort and Breathability
Nike sleeves utilize the brand’s advanced Dri-FIT fabric technology designed to optimize comfort, cooling, and performance. The polyester material effectively wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you dry.
This creates a cool microclimate next to the skin so you don’t overheat. Dry arms also reduce friction and irritation when shooting, allowing smooth, unrestricted motion.
Lightweight and Breathable
In addition to moisture management, Dri-FIT fabric is highly breathable to prevent stuffiness and encourage ventilation. It’s also lightweight and smooth for a barely-there feel.
Minimal sleeve weight keeps your shooting arm fresh and unencumbered. You’ll enjoy complete freedom of movement without performance inhibiting bulk.
Stays Put
Dri-FIT polyester also has plenty of stretch and elasticity, so sleeves maintain a secure, anchored fit even during intense play. They won’t restrict blood flow or slide down your arm.
The fabric is also abrasion-resistant, ensuring sleeves hold up to rough daily use. The smooth handfeel remains consistently comfortable.
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Nike sleeves are constructed using flatlock seams to prevent skin irritation so you can focus on balling:
Flatlock Seams Prevent Chafing and Irritation During Motion
The sleeves feature flatlock stitching where seam edges lay flat against each other rather than overlapping. This creates smooth, low-profile seam lines that move naturally with your shooting motion.
Flat seams are precisely sewn to minimize friction and chafing, preventing distraction when you’re trying to get buckets. No more adjusting sleeves from rough, irritating edges.
Strategic Seam Placement
Seams are also strategically placed for optimal performance. They run vertically following the direction of your arm’s range of motion to avoid restricted mobility.
Seams won’t catch or bind, allowing a full shooting stroke. The smooth seams integrate into your motion until it’s like they’re not even there.
Prevents Skin Irritation
Finally, flat seams prevent skin redness, chapping, and irritation that overlapping seams can cause with repetitive motion. This allows sleeves to be worn comfortably all game long.
No need to compromise sleeved shooting style for the sake of your skin. Flatlock seams are a game-changer for hoopers.
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Nike sleeves strike the perfect balance of light compression support without limiting your shooting motion and arm mobility:
Lightweight and Breathable Without Restricting Your Shooting Motion
The sleeves are crafted from lightweight, ultra-breathable Dri-FIT fabric that provides just enough gentle compression without constricting movement.
The smooth, stretchy fabric moves freely with your arm. You’ll enjoy full mobility to fully extend your elbow and wrist when shooting without resistance from the sleeve.
Zero Distractions
A sleeve that is too tight or restrictive can negatively impact your shot mechanics and feel. But Nike sleeves are so lightweight and breathable, you’ll barely notice them.
There are no distractions from uncomfortable compression or sleeve repositioning. You can focus on sinking buckets, not your gear.
Stays Put
Despite the lightweight feel, the sleeves still maintain a secure, anchored fit that won’t slide down your arm as you shoot. The minimal compression also doesn’t restrict blood and oxygen flow.
Your shooting sleeve becomes an extension of your arm for the ultimate sleeve shooting experience.
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For maximum shooting sleeve comfort, Nike incorporates soft, sweat-wicking fabric on the interior:
Sweat-Absorbing Cotton Blend Inside for Soft Feel Against Skin
While the exterior sleeve fabric is polyester for moisture management, the interior lining features a brushed cotton blend. The soft cotton feels smooth and comfortable pressed against bare skin.
It also provides sweat-absorption to keep your arm fully dry. The cotton interior works in tandem with the Dri-FIT outer fabric to battle sweat and humidity.
Prevents Chafing
The soft cotton also prevents chafing from repetitive motions. There’s no skin irritation or redness after a full game of shooting thanks to the gentle inner lining.
You want sleeves that can hold up to intense hoops without compromising comfort. Nike sleeves check that box with their dual-fabric design.
Secure Fit
The cotton liner adds just enough grip against the skin to help keep sleeves from sliding down. The soft feel keeps sleeves anchored without needing overly tight compression.
Focus on your game, not constantly adjusting sleeves. The cotton interior helps Nike compression sleeves stay locked in.
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To prevent sleeves from slipping down during play, Nike incorporates anti-slip silicone grip prints:
Anti-Slip Silicone Prints on Inside Keep Sleeve from Sliding Down Arm
Located on the inside of the sleeve, you’ll find silicone prints strategically placed to help the sleeve stay anchored in place as you shoot hoops.
The grippy prints gently press into the skin just enough to prevent the sleeve from sliding down. But the sleeve still retains a comfortable stretch fit.
Maintain Positioning
Consistent sleeve positioning is crucial for optimized shooting performance. A sleeve that’s sliding around is distracting and impacts mechanics.
The prints lock your sleeve dialed in right below the elbow so it won’t budge from constant motion and arm extension when shooting.
All Game Long
The prints maintain friction even as sleeves dampen with sweat over the course of a game. You won’t have to repeatedly readjust.
Grab your rebound and go knowing your sleeves will be there supporting you on every possession down the floor.
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Caring for your Nike sleeves is hassle-free thanks to their machine-washable construction:
Machine-Washable for Convenience After Hard Practices and Games
Nike sleeves are designed for easy care between uses. When gear starts smelling funky and salty from intense hoops, just toss the sleeves right in the washing machine.
Use mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Then air or tumble dry low. It’s that simple to keep sleeves fresh for the next matchup.
Retain Quality
The Dri-FIT fabric and seams are durable enough to handle frequent washing. The sleeves won’t lose compression quality or shape over time.
Machine washing also helps sleeves maintain their vibrant colors and prevents bacteria buildup.
Environmentally Friendly
Skip the special sleeve cleaners or dry cleaning. Machine washing is an eco-friendly way to sanitize gear after sweaty games.
Wash sleeves separately to prevent pilling. Then they’ll be ready to rock supporting your shot game once again.
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The performance benefits of Nike sleeves are an investment that pays dividends for hoopers without breaking the bank:
Affordable Way to Elevate Your Game Without Breaking the Bank
Compared to paying big bucks for a shooting coach or fancy dribbling equipment, compression sleeves are an inexpensive way to step up your skills.
For around $10-$20, you gain an accessible performance tool proven to enhance support, stability, focus, and shooting accuracy.
Cost Per Wear
When you calculate cost per use, sleeves become even more affordable. Worn over repeated practices and games, the price per wear is low.
The sleeves will likely outlive your shoes. Just replace once their compression declines. The performance value is unmatched.
Worth the Investment
Considering the shooting boost sleeves provide, the price is easy to justify. Improved skills quickly outweighs the initial sleeve cost.
Shooting excellence requires hard work and the right tools. Sleeves check both boxes for ballers striving to reach the next level.
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