Source: Journal of Sports Science; 21: 601-610
Title: Evaluation of a lower-body compression garment
Authors: Doan BK, Kwon YH, Newton RU et al
Year: 2003
Type of reference: Controlled trial (compress shorts vs loose-fitting gym shorts as control)
Garment type: custom fit compression shorts
No. of subjects: 10 male and 10 female track athletes
Summary of trial: Aim of study – determine how custom-fit compression shorts affect athletic performance and to examine mechanical properties of the shorts
Compression shorts used were custom fit to be hyper-compressive (15% smaller than athlete’s measurements); made of 75% closed cell neoprene and 25% butyl rubber; 4.76mm thick
Performance test were 60m sprint, jump power and muscle oscillation
Subjects performed standardized warm-up protocol before each test session
Skin temperature tests were also performed

When wearing compression garment:

• 60m sprint time not affected
• Hip flexion angle was reduced
• Skin temperature increased more and at a faster rate during warm up protocol
• Muscle oscillation was decreased during vertical jump landing
• Countermovement vertical jump height increased
• The elasticity of the compressive garment provided increased flexion and extension torque at the end range of extension and flexion, respectively, and may assist hamstrings in controlling the leg at the end of the swing phase in sprinting.
• The compressive garment significantly reduced impact force by 27%.
  These findings may translate into an effect on athletic performance and a reduction in injuries