Source: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research;
12(4):211-15
Title: Compression garments: influence on muscle fatigue
Authors: Kraemer WJ, Bush JA et al
Year: 1998
Type of reference: Randomised controlled clinical trial
Garment type: Compression shorts – Cover area from waist
to just above knee, consisted of a fabric weight of 6.2oz/yd2, Tricot fabric
type, and Lycra® brand spandex content of 16%
No. of subjects: 20 (10 men, 10 women) healthy, recreationally
trained and participated in both weight training and endurance training programs
in their weekly exercise routines
Summary of trial: Recent investigations have demonstrated that
compression shorts can enhance repetitive jump power (0245, 0246). Mechanisms
that mediate performance gains appear to be related to a myriad of variables
stimulated by compression – include enhanced proprioception, reduced muscle
oscilation, enhanced lactate removal and/or psychological factors (i.e., subjects
like the feel of the garments and perceive that they are helpful (0244, 0231,
0245, 0246, 0243).
Study assessed whether opposing compression forces produced by commercially
available ‘compression shorts’ affect repetitive force production
capabilities of the thigh muscles during repetitive open- and closed- kinetic-chain
exercise tests – i.e. contribute to fatigue in an exercise protocol
Testing conducted with 2 experimental conditions – compression shorts
and no compression shorts
All subjects served as their own controls
Testing consisted of isokinetic knee extension / flexion exercise and max no.
of reps performed with the Tru-squat
No significant differences found between compression shorts and control conditions
in peak torque or total work performed
Results indicate that compression garments made for longterm 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 / has no negative effect on repetitive, high-intensity, force-production
performance of the lower body musculature / has no negative effects on force
production and total work capacity of the thigh muscle
Source: Dermatol Surg; 30:737-743
Title: Compression stockings reduce occupational leg swelling
Authors: Partsch H, Winiger J, Lun B
Year: 2004
Type of reference: Clinical trial
Garment type: Calf length compression stockings
No. of subjects: 12
Summary of trial: Volume of both lower legs measured in morning
and 7h later, difference being defined as evening oedema.
Procedure carried out for 4 days
Subjects wore below-knee stockings of different compression levels alternatively
on one leg only in a random order.
Compression pressure assessed using HATRA device
Conclusion – calf-length compression stockings with a pressure range
between 11 and 21 mmHg are able to:
- reduce or totally prevent evening oedema
May therefore be recommended for people with profession connected with long
periods of sitting or standing |
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