Compression wear is a hugely popular topic within sports and the field of medicine. Athletes around the world are talking about the benefits of compression wear not only following gruelling workouts but during too. While some wish for better performance, others are now valuing the faster recovery rates. Today we’re looking at smart and fast recovery and just why compression wear is becoming a staple piece in every active person’s life, regardless of the sport.
Medical Benefits
When it comes to the medical side of compression wear, there are some very clear advantages. Compression stockings and compression leggings for example can be an excellent component in the treatment of venous disorders for their ability to provide additional support to muscles and help pump blood through the limbs. Not only does this improve blood circulation but also enables the muscles to receive a better blood flow when needed the most.
It’s this effect however that’s of most benefit to athletes as an improved blood supply to muscles leads to an improved performance. How? It essentially manifests as a ‘lower subjective perception of stress… and improved running times.’
On top of this however, athletes are now debating whether compression tights and other compression garments can actually support exercise recovery. A recent study in New Zealand, investigated this exact topic and its findings were subsequently published in the Journal Of Strength & Conditioning Research. Here’s what they found.
Compression & Recovery: The Findings
The New Zealand study encompassed the New Zealand national rugby team. During the study, compression leggings were held up against regular leggings (leggings with no compression effects at all). The 22 study participants, all professional level players, were monitored during a game in which they exerted themselves.
After the game, all 22 players were given compression tights to wear for a full 24 hours before undergoing a performance test.
The purpose of this test was to fully investigate the effects of the garments on recovery following exertion. In order to see direct comparisons, each New Zealand player went through this process twice; once wearing a pair of compression leggings and once wearing no compression leggings in order to monitor the differences.
To ensure the rugby players weren’t showing any preconceived bias, they were all told they were testing out the effects of two different compression garments. The exercised used within the performance tests included 10 x 40m sprints followed by a 3km timed run. While small, the most significant differences were noted during sprints 5, 6 and 7. The timed run also showed players running between 1.9 and 2% faster following wearing compression garments. The overall conclusion of the test was that wearing compression wear during recovery was, ‘advantageous’.
Vivendi Apparel Compression Wear
Here at Vivendi Apparel, we provide a range of compression wear that doesn’t just provide faster recovery for wearers, but compression wear that looks as good as it performs. Our C180 Compression Leggings and Base Layers wear like a second-skin and come complete with silicone grip at the knee for additional support in the saddle and out. Find C180 Compression Wear Here…
For those battling the elements, we have our Thermal C360 Compression Leggings and Base Layers to provide the same great compressive qualities as well as additional thermal properties, giving those in winter the ultimate sports wear. Find C360 Compression Wear Here…
We also boast our Luxe Vega Compression Wear that offers additional silicone seat plus a zip phone pocket along with an incredible technical compression material for all sporting activities. Find Luxe Vega Compression Wear Here…