Compression Garments

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on -Compression Garments!
Compression garments were originally designed for therapeutic medical use, especially for those suffering from circulatory conditions. However, over the years researchers have come to observe that there could be benefits to wearing compression garments while exercising and participating in sports. Benefits range from muscle fatigue and power production to circulation, even injury prevention and recovery. Although there is still research to be done this area, findings could change athletic attire forever.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/june10/index.html

SIRC at the CASM-OMA Sport Medicine Conference

Being highlighted at two pre-conference workshops, SIRC started off the CASM Conference with a bang.

First, Reference Librarian, Brandie Adams spoke about membership during the Osteoarthritis Workshop Wednesday morning. Then, the article “The Sport Specific Movement Assessment” by Bruce Craven published in SIRCuit was highlighted during the Injury Prevention session. In the evening, Nancy Rebel and Brandie Adams were on hand to answer questions for CASM delegates ranging from how to log in, to what publications are in the SIRC Collection. Everyone loved that they could email or call one of the SIRC librarians and information specialists. It was great to hear how many people are familiar with SIRC and enjoy the SIRC Newsletters.

If you would like to visit SIRC at the CASM Conference we are located at booth 221-223 in the Metro East ballroom at the Westin Harbour Castle. Located next to the compression garment. booth which ironically is the topic of the latest newsletter!

Do Compression Garments Improve Performance?

The use of compression garments has become increasingly popular in recent years, mostly in a post-exercise role where compression tights, arm sleeves, socks and boots are used as a means to speed up recovery.  What is less common is their use during exercise to increase performance and minimize fatigue. Do compression garments really improve performance?

The possible effects of compression include:

• improved circulation
• reduced muscle fatigue
• rapid recovery
• increased performance
• endurance
• injury management

Recent studies from have tested the theory that compression garments help to re-oxygenate the blood, which in turn helps muscles to perform better.  These studies found that on average, oxygen consumption was unaltered whether or not the athletes wore the compression gear, meaning that their overall efficiency was unchanged.  So, despite their recent popularity, these studies found no evidence for improved performance or efficiency of oxygen consumption.

However, don't be too quick to write them off since there is quite a bit of evidence that compression garments do help in the recovery process.  Studies have shown that they help by enhacing overall circulation, reduce swelling in the joints and speed up muscle recovery.

Many elite athletes swear by their benefits and the assumption is that their popularity will increase as more athletes are seen wearing them.  As no studies have reported negative effects on exercise performance, the use of compression garments may provide a useful training tool for athletes across a wide variety of sports.  If you do decide to try out compression garments, caution should be taken so you choose the right garment for your sport.  

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Bottaro M, Martorelli S, Vilaça J. Neuromuscular Compression Garments: Effects on Neuromuscular Strength and Recovery. Journal Of Human Kinetics. December 2, 2011;:27-31. 

2. Lovell D, Mason D, Delphinus E, McLellan C. DO COMPRESSION GARMENTS ENHANCE THE ACTIVE RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER HIGH-INTENSITY RUNNING?. Journal Of Strength & Conditioning Research (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins). December 2011;25(12):3264-3268. 

3. MacRae B, Cotter J, Laing R. Compression Garments and Exercise Garment Considerations, Physiology and Performance. Sports Medicine. October 2011;41(10):815-843. 

4. Scanlan A, Dascombe B, Reaburn P, Osborne M. The Effects of Wearing Lower-Body Compression Garments During Endurance Cycling. International Journal Of Sports Physiology & Performance. December 2008;3(4):424-438. 

5. Webb E, Willems M. EFFECTS OF WEARING GRADUATED COMPRESSION GARMENT DURING ECCENTRIC EXERCISE. Medicina Sportiva. November 2010;14(4):193-198.