Scientific Research Scientific studies on the benefits of wearing Compression Garments by Dr. W.J. Kreamer of the Pennsylvania State University and Dr. J.A. Bush of the University of Houston have showed the following: 1. Strength test – 5kg medicine ball throwing After a 60% weight training session, subjects wearing compression garments achieved on average 14cm better distance when throwing a 5kg medicine ball than subjects not wearing compression garments. 2. Comparing different types of recovery therapies – Measuring of Creatine Kinase (CK) Football players were tested 24 hours post match to determine the best therapy to reduce CK. The following results showed the decrease in concentration percentage of CK by using four different kinds of therapies: Wearing compression garments for 4 hours post match – 29.33% reduction in CK Performing active recovery activities (also known as flush out sessions) – 25.37% reduction in CK Hot and cold emersion baths – 23.18% reduction in CK Active recovery (massage and stretching) – 16.69% reduction in CK 3. Reducing blood lactate Data was collected from athletes wearing recovery garments over three training sessions. It showed a reduction of 42.5% in blood lactate levels 20 minutes post exercise which included a warm-down. 4. Increase exercise time at peak levels: An additional study by S.M. Lambert and C.M. Chow from the University of Sydney showed that wearing compression garments during work-outs necessitated changes to breathing demand that will increase time at peak performance levels. Time to exhaustion increased by a remarkable 20%. In addition, VO 2 Max saw an average boost of 4.15mL.min.kg, while significant lower lactate levels were detected 15 minutes post exercise. To conclude: 1. Compression Garments increases the oxygen transfer to the working muscles and accelerates the venous return to the heart: It is widely known that the cardiovascular system can benefit from compression. The increase in blood returning to the heart to receive more oxygen will improve oxygen delivery to the working muscle that will lead to an increase in endurance within the working muscles. 2. Compression Garments will create more efficiency within the working muscle by allowing less muscle vibration: The Compression Garments are specifically designed to ‘wrap' and compress the major muscle groups. This ‘wrapping' and compressing will reduce the muscle vibration that will result in a reduction of soft tissue damage and DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness). Due to the reduction in fatigue, the body can perform at the same levels as at the start of an activity, for a longer period of time (relative to that of ‘unwrapped' muscles) while, reducing the risk of injury. 3. Compression Garments speed up recovery in damaged muscles: Compression is known to aid in the recovery of damaged muscle by reducing swelling. The blood flow is improved with compression to such a level that more oxygen and nutrient enriched blood gets to the damaged areas. This will lead to improved muscle efficiency and faster healing 4. Compression Garments will assist with temperature control: Due to the gradient compression and composition of the fabric, Compression Garments will allow your body to stay at maximal performance temperature. 5. Compression Garments will improve joint position sense, also known as proprioception: The message to the brain that controls accuracy movements of the body, are improved due to the sensory feedback from the skin, and in certain ways, from the resistance forces encountered as the fabric is lengthened during limb placement.
