Compression Garments in Performance and Recovery
Summary
Compression garments are elastic apparel engineered to apply controlled mechanical pressure to targeted body regions, typically following a graduated gradient from distal to proximal. Widely adopted in both medical and athletic settings, these garments are believed to enhance venous return, reduce muscle oscillation during dynamic movements, improve proprioceptive feedback and help maintain muscle temperature. In sporting contexts they are used to support endurance performance, sprint capacity and power output by attenuating soft-tissue vibration and minimising perceived exertion. In recovery scenarios, compression garments are worn immediately after exercise to modulate inflammatory responses, facilitate lymphatic drainage, limit exercise-induced muscle damage and preserve neuromuscular function. Technological advances in fabric composition, knitting structures and virtual‐prototyping tools now enable precise control of pressure distribution and garment fit. Despite widespread use by elite athletes and recreational exercisers, variability in pressure measurement protocols, coverage areas and study outcomes highlights the need for standardised methodologies to translate research findings into consistent performance and recovery benefits.
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Compression Garments in Performance and Recovery publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in compression garments in performance and recovery across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Graduated compression: A design feature in which pressure decreases progressively from distal to proximal regions to promote venous return and fluid drainage.
Pressure mapping: A technique to visualise and quantify the distribution of mechanical pressure between a garment and the body surface using sensors or software simulation.
Muscle oscillation: The cyclic vibration of muscle tissue induced by impact or repetitive movements, which compression garments aim to dampen.
Rate of perceived exertion: A subjective scale used by individuals to rate the intensity of effort during exercise, often employed to assess fatigue and tolerance.
References
- Effectiveness of Recovery Strategies After Training and Competition in Endurance Athletes: An Umbrella Review. Sports Medicine - Open (2024).
- Compression Garments for Medical Therapy and Sports. Polymers (2018).
- Fit and Pressure Comfort Evaluation on a Virtual Prototype of a Tight-Fit Cycling Shirt. Autex Research Journal (2023).
- Putting the Squeeze on Compression Garments: Current Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research: A Systematic Scoping Review. Sports Medicine (2021).
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