Do Compression Garments Improve Performance?

The use of compression garments has become increasingly popular in recent years, mostly in a post-exercise role where compression tights, arm sleeves, socks and boots are used as a means to speed up recovery.  What is less common is their use during exercise to increase performance and minimize fatigue. Do compression garments really improve performance?

The possible effects of compression include:

• improved circulation
• reduced muscle fatigue
• rapid recovery
• increased performance
• endurance
• injury management

Recent studies from have tested the theory that compression garments help to re-oxygenate the blood, which in turn helps muscles to perform better.  These studies found that on average, oxygen consumption was unaltered whether or not the athletes wore the compression gear, meaning that their overall efficiency was unchanged.  So, despite their recent popularity, these studies found no evidence for improved performance or efficiency of oxygen consumption.

However, don't be too quick to write them off since there is quite a bit of evidence that compression garments do help in the recovery process.  Studies have shown that they help by enhacing overall circulation, reduce swelling in the joints and speed up muscle recovery.

Many elite athletes swear by their benefits and the assumption is that their popularity will increase as more athletes are seen wearing them.  As no studies have reported negative effects on exercise performance, the use of compression garments may provide a useful training tool for athletes across a wide variety of sports.  If you do decide to try out compression garments, caution should be taken so you choose the right garment for your sport.  

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Bottaro M, Martorelli S, Vilaça J. Neuromuscular Compression Garments: Effects on Neuromuscular Strength and Recovery. Journal Of Human Kinetics. December 2, 2011;:27-31. 

2. Lovell D, Mason D, Delphinus E, McLellan C. DO COMPRESSION GARMENTS ENHANCE THE ACTIVE RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER HIGH-INTENSITY RUNNING?. Journal Of Strength & Conditioning Research (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins). December 2011;25(12):3264-3268. 

3. MacRae B, Cotter J, Laing R. Compression Garments and Exercise Garment Considerations, Physiology and Performance. Sports Medicine. October 2011;41(10):815-843. 

4. Scanlan A, Dascombe B, Reaburn P, Osborne M. The Effects of Wearing Lower-Body Compression Garments During Endurance Cycling. International Journal Of Sports Physiology & Performance. December 2008;3(4):424-438. 

5. Webb E, Willems M. EFFECTS OF WEARING GRADUATED COMPRESSION GARMENT DURING ECCENTRIC EXERCISE. Medicina Sportiva. November 2010;14(4):193-198.