Who’d have thought that donning an expensive pair of black stockings would instantly categorise you as an ‘athlete’!?
We identify these sexy tights so much with performance, that hosts of exercisers now wear them by default. My qualm is that most people don’t know why they wear them, aside from the fact that their mate at the gym does. I’m all for new methods and technologies, but I’m even more for empowering individuals through education and enlightenment.
Let’s review the literature. Absorb the information and form your own opinions. After all, they’re the only ones that matter.
Firstly, let’s look at the major players. Skins, 2XU and BodyScience are the big boys.
Let’s take an objective, unadulterated look at the primary literature:
Duffield and Portus (2007): No benefit was noted when wearing compression garments for repeat-sprint or throwing performance; however, the use of the garments as a recovery tool, when worn after exercise, may be beneficial to reduce postexercise trauma and perceived muscle soreness.
Our take: No improvement in performance, but less soreness after. The question is whether ‘less soreness’ means ‘less presentation of symptoms’, or ‘faster recovery’. We want the latter.
Trenell et. al. (2006): The data suggests that wearing compression garments in the recovery from eccentric exercise may alter the inflammatory response to damage and accelerate the repair processes inside of the muscle. However, further studies are warranted to confirm any alteration in muscle repair/recovery consequent to wearing of compression garments, determine the mechanisms, and understand the functional benefits underlying both eccentric exercise and the use of compression garments in healthy and clinical populations.
Our take: This gives us a clue that perhaps we are getting a speeding up of the recovery process and not just a reduction in symptoms. Good.
Kraemer et. al. (1998): No significant differences were found between the CS and control conditions in peak torque or total work performed in the isokinetic knee extension/flexion exercise or in max number of reps performed with the Trusquat. The results indicate that compression garments made for long-term wear and commonly worn by athletes and fitness enthusiasts during training and competition do not contribute to any additional fatigue in repetitive high-intensity exercise tasks.
Our take: Supports the first study. Also adds that there are no negative effects (at least found by this study).
Higgins et. al. (2006): Using traditional statistical analysis, performance enhancing effects of compression garments were minimal. However, results of effect sizes analyses showed repeated performances at high speeds were improved in this sample of well-trained netball players.
Our take: Suggests some degree of short term benefit during performance. Possibly due to increase venous return (compression increasing the return of blood to the heart, ready to begin its merry lactate soaked journey once again).
Scanlan et. al. (2008): The present results demonstrated limited physiological benefits and no performance enhancement through wearing LBCG during a cycling time trial.
Our take: Enough said.
Duffield et. al. (2008): In conclusion the effects of compression garments on voluntary performance and recovery were minimal; however, reduced levels of perceived muscle soreness were reported following recovery in the garments.
Our take: Less muscle soreness, but no change in the actual muscle damage. Not good. This means that we’re thinking we’re recovered when we’re actually not. Muscle soreness is a sign of muscle damage. Repeated exercise with existing muscle damage leads to overtraining. Is it too much of a leap to suggest compression garments can lead to overtraining? Perhaps, but we have to be aware of this effect.
Duffield et. al. (2008): The use of compression garments did not improve or hamper simulated team-sport activity on consecutive days. Despite benefits of reduced self-reported muscle soreness when wearing garments during and following exercise each day, no improvements in performance or recovery were apparent.
Our take: Some common themes establishing.
Make up your own mind. But approach this (and everything else) with a healthy degree of skepticism.
