Hegele, M., Sperlich, B., Nitsch, S., & Mester, J. (2009). Compression garments and exercise - the effect of three different garments on endurance capacity. ACSM 56th Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington, Presentation Number 552.

This study investigated the effects of three different compression garments on endurance performance and related physiological and psychological variables compared to non compressive textiles in male well-trained endurance athletes (N = 14). Ss performed four maximal endurance tests on a treadmill under laboratory conditions. Ss randomly wore textile fabrics with different compressive surfaces: 1) regular non-compressive running gear, 2) compression socks, 3) compression tights, and 4) whole body compression (tights plus top). During each test, performance, lactic acid concentration, oxygen uptake, blood gas analysis, perceived muscle soreness, and changes in general perception were measured.

Neither time to exhaustion nor physiological variables changed under compression clothing conditions. These results were supported by the psychological data which also demonstrated no differences.

Implication. There are no beneficial effects from wearing compression garments on endurance performance or performance related physiological and psychological.

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