Putting the Squeeze on Compression Garments: Current Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research: A Systematic Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Compression garments are regularly worn during exercise to improve physical performance, mitigate fatigue responses, and enhance recovery. However, evidence for their efficacy is varied and the methodological approaches and outcome measures used within the scientific literature are diverse. Objectives The aim of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of compression garments on commonly assessed outcome measures in response to exercise, including: performance, biomechanical, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory, muscle damage, thermoregulatory, and perceptual responses. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and CINAHL Complete) was performed from the earliest record to 27 December, 2020. Results In total, 183 studies were identified for qualitative analysis with the following breakdown: performance and muscle function outcomes: 115 studies (63%), biomechanical and neuromuscular: 59 (32%), blood and saliva markers: 85 (46%), cardiovascular: 76 (42%), cardiorespiratory: 39 (21%), thermoregulatory: 19 (10%) and perceptual: 98 (54%). Approximately 85% (n = 156) of studies were published between 2010 and 2020. Conclusions Evidence is equivocal as to whether garments improve physical performance, with little evidence supporting improvements in kinetic or kinematic outcomes. Compression likely reduces muscle oscillatory properties and has a positive effect on sensorimotor systems. Findings suggest potential increases in arterial blood flow; however, it is unlikely that compression garments meaningfully change metabolic responses, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiorespiratory measures. Compression garments increase localised skin temperature and may reduce perceptions of muscle soreness and pain following exercise; however, rating of perceived exertion during exercise is likely unchanged. It is unlikely that compression garments negatively influence exercise-related outcomes. Future research should assess wearer belief in compression garments, report pressure ranges at multiple sites as well as garment material, and finally examine individual responses and varying compression coverage areas.

Can Compression Garments Reduce the Deleterious Effects of Physical Exercise on Muscle Strength? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

“…Furthermore, the results of this study also suggest that a CG covering larger compared with smaller body areas appear to be more effective [19]. In sum, a recently published scoping review [20] concluded that while CGs are likely to improve muscle oscillatory properties, increase arterial blood flow and local skin temperature, facilitate signal transmission in the sensorimotor system, and may reduce perception of exercise-induced muscle soreness and pain, it is unlikely that CGs can meaningfully alter tissue metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiorespiratory function.…”

Testing and Profiling Athletes: Recommendations for Test Selection, Implementation, and Maximizing Information

“…Considering the importance of testing for coaches and athletes, it is essential to consider why and how the testing is being implemented. While the growing acceptance of sports science and technology has helped to continue the development and innovation within strength and conditioning (85,99), it has also led to extremely large amounts of data often being available (56). This can cause practitioners to be overwhelmed with information (i.e., “paralysis through analysis”), select inappropriate testing methods or outcomes (i.e., the lack of understanding of the test and its underpinning physiological/biomechanical constructs), or cause “testing for testing's sake.” Thus, understanding the “why” can support decisions around what information is retained and help determine the purpose, which in turn can help guide the tests that are selected.…”

Compression Sportswear Improves Speed, Endurance, and Functional Motor Performances: A Meta-Analysis

“…In recent years, further studies additionally reported the potential benefits of compression garments in improving blood circulation, muscle fatigue, and recovery in post-exercise [3]. Common types of compression sportswear include shirts, shorts, sleeves, socks, and underwear, typically made of an elastic material so that the compression sportswear may be beneficial for improving physiological, biomechanical, and subjective components during and after exercises [4,5]. For example, the use of lowercompression sportswear reduced blood lactate, blood flow, and heart rate during endurance exercises [6][7][8].…”