Compression Shorts and Performance

Compression shorts, those hip-hugging short pants made of Lycra or some other expanding fabric, are de rigueur for some sports, such as cycling, and a fashion faux-pas in others, such as tennis. Now, 20 years after they appeared in sportswear catalogues, their relative propriety in whatever sports is well established. What is not established is any physical benefit to the wearer. Some athletes say they improve performance (but make one look silly). Others say they have no effect on performance (and make one look great).  And while this piece in the L.A. Times is not going settle the dispute, it will provide some ammo for parties arguing either side, and likely prolong a debate that was too long before it started. One factoid of value in the Times piece is the agreement among kinesiologists that compression shorts (like knee sleeves) probably improve proprioceptive feedback.  Which is to say that the compression of the shorts on receptors in the skin and
muscles gives the brain added information on the body’s motion, which, in turn, enables improved mechanics of motion. Which, in turn, looks great, even if you don’t.