Want to run faster and jump higher? Keep training, and don't pay any attention to claims made by compression garment marketers that their products will improve recovery, increase power and enhance athletic performance. That fiction was unmasked by researchers at Indiana University, who recruited 16 highly trained distance runners to test the allegation. An IU press release reports that each subject had to complete two 12-minute running tests — one
with lower leg compression and one without, while researchers measured economy (oxygen consumption) and studied mechanics. The University reports that the neither economy nor mechanics were improved by the garments.
A second University of Indiana study looked at the influence of compression garments that cover the body from the waist to the knee on vertical jumps of 25 males average age 23. The university press release reports that the difference in the height of jumps of those wearing and not wearing the garments was "absolutely nothing."
Although such as the article states may hold true for sports involving running, etc., the same can not be said for sports such as power lifting where competitions have now had to be divided between those with “bench shirts” and compression lifting suits and those who prefer to lift “raw” (i.e., without the previously mentioned articles of clothing).
These articles of clothing do in fact and in deed seem to greatly assist the lifter so much so that it appears the shirt or the suit is lifting.
As with any and all pronouncements from supposed experts and researchers, just as in buying a pair of sneakers, one size seldom if ever fits all.
As an aside, most power lifters can’t run and would not run even if they had to (all we ever did was lift as heavily as absolutely possible…)
Thanks
I’m less concerned about whether compression garments improve performance than how well (or poorly) they actually prevent injury, as advertised. Soccer on ancient legs…well, you know what happens. I want to believe compression shorts prevent injury and, for a few bucks, can afford to believe. But is it believable?