Abstract
Compression garments (stockings, sleeves, shirts and shorts) are increasingly used in various sports. The effects of compression garments (CG) on performance (e.g., maximal strength, aerobic performance, sprint performance, jump height) and recovery (e.g., body temperature, creatinkinase, muscle swelling, blood lactate clearance) are heavily debated. Current evidence is heterogeneous due to a variety of different study designs, types of compression clothes and applied pressures. Few studies also suggest that compression may improve balance performance and motor skill precision. Neuromuscular benefits from CG use include reduced muscle oscillation, improved joint awareness, augmented perfusion, higher skin temperature and improved oxygen utilization. It is assumed that mechanical pressure of CG to the skin stimulates cutaneous tactile receptors that improve proprioception. These additional “proprioceptive cues” together with a decreased reliance on the visual system might enhance balance performance. Studies of CG use on dynamic balance performance have not yet been conducted. Research on the association between skill precision and compression shirts indicated that driving accuracy of high-level Golf players improved during upper body movements. Another study on movement discrimination revealed better joint replacement when wearing tight Neoprene shorts. However, these beneficial effects were only present in low ability performers, whereas high-skilled participants showed a reverse effect. Compelling evidence derived from high-quality research is scarce and underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Available studies comprise notable heterogeneity (e.g., study design, target population, type of exercises, type of CG, fabric properties, CG pressure? unclear, variations in CG fit). Future research may focus on effects of CG on neuromuscular performance in various populations (athletes, clinical populations, seniors) and settings.
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Donath, L., Faude, O. (2016). Compression Garments and Performance Enhancement in Balance and Precision Tasks. In: Engel, F., Sperlich, B. (eds) Compression Garments in Sports: Athletic Performance and Recovery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39480-0_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39480-0_4
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