Compression Explained

Compression clothing for men and women started life in 1987 by Berry and McMurray when they realised that when stockings were worn by athletes during maximum training sessions, blood lactate after training was lower than that of an athlete not wearing stockings, so from 1987 onwards, compression clothing was born.

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The theory suggests that compression clothing may improve peripheral circulation and venous return, in turn improving the clearance of blood lactate from key muscle groups and further, the faster the removal of blood lactate and the reduction of muscle damage may further increase muscle performance. Further benefits of compression clothing are that they keep the muscles warm, helping prevent muscle strain and fatigue, and wick sweat away from the body to prevent chafing and rashes.

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Strenuous training and competition place an enormous demand on the physical and physiological reserves of athletes. Individuals vary in their ability to cope and in their tolerance of competitive stressors. The regeneration of normal metabolic reserves should be a priority and the practices to promote recovery should commence immediately post training or competition. The use of compression clothing appears to provide an economical and effective strategy that offers a practical alternative or additional recovery method.

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Scientists conducting research into this area found that wearing compression clothing greatly reduced energy expenditure whilst running. This is probably due to the compression fit supporting certain muscles by applying pressure to the active muscles providing support to the muscle fibres to help control and minimise muscle oscillation (muscle vibration) and therefore reducing muscle fatigue.

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Benefits of Compression

1. To help reduce muscle vibration through sporting activities. Applying pressure to help reduce fatigue in key muscle groups
2. Helps wick sweat away from the body to prevent chafing and rashes
3. Helps improve blood circulation, in turn helping to oxygenate your muscles
4. Assists the body in reducing lactate-acid build up in core muscle areas
5. Promotes muscle repair, reduces swelling and decrease delayed onset muscle soreness

As well as their well-documented sporting benefits, compression clothing has also been found to relieve medical complaints including:

• Arthritis

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Lymphoedema

• Varicose veins

• Deep vein thrombosis

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