Confounding compression: the effects of posture, sizing and garment type on measured interface pressure in sports compression clothing

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to measure the interface pressure exerted by lower body sports compression garments, in order to assess the effect of garment type, size and posture in athletes. Twelve national-level boxers were fitted with sports compression garments (tights and leggings), each in three different sizes (undersized, recommended size and oversized). Interface pressure was assessed across six landmarks on the lower limb (ranging from medial malleolus to upper thigh) as athletes assumed sitting, standing and supine postures. Sports compression leggings exerted a significantly higher mean pressure than sports compression tights (P < 0.001). Oversized tights applied significantly less pressure than manufacturer-recommended size or undersized tights (P < 0.001), yet no significant differences were apparent between different-sized leggings. Standing posture resulted in significantly higher mean pressure application than a seated posture for both tights and leggings (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Pressure was different across landmarks, with analyses revealing a pressure profile that was neither strictly graduated nor progressive in nature. The pressure applied by sports compression garments is significantly affected by garment type, size and posture assumed by the wearer.

The Effects of Compression-Garment Pressure on Recovery After Strenuous Exercise

“…Exercise that is unaccustomed or unfamiliar in nature can lead to the experience of exerciseinduced muscle damage (EIMD) (1,2). Symptoms associated with EIMD include decreased force production, decreased range of motion (ROM) and the experience of muscle soreness, all of which can negatively affect performance (3).…”

Compression garments and fabric orthoses for rehabilitation and function: a systematic mapping review

“…A number of primary studies have demonstrated that physiological effects vary according to the pressure applied (Miyamoto et al, 2011;Coza et al, 2012;Bochman et al, 2005). In addition, a number of studies have demonstrated that pressure applied is hard to predict from sizing and varies with changes in posture and activity (Brophy-Williams et al, 2015;Hill et al, 2015;de Godoy et al 2010). Measuring pressure between the garment and the body is recommended to describe such interventions clearly.…”

Pressure profiles of sport compression stockings

“…Based on these observations, it seems questionable whether it would be useful at all for SCS to comply with MCS standards. In sports, even footless compression garments such as leggings or inelastic calf wraps have been shown to be effective . It would seem more adequate to develop a separate classification for sport compression garments, which would enable athletes to select appropriate products based on preference, target parameters, and type of sport.…”