The ambiguity in the results of sport-related research involving compression garments is therefore perhaps unsurprising. The inadequate quantification of between-human differences in leg geometry, and the different stiffness characteristics of leg tissues, such as bone, tendon and muscle, probably contribute to a limited understanding of the actual in vivo pressures elicited by compression garments. Consequently, with such equivocal research findings, it is unknown whether compression garments aid exercise performance and recovery.Ī factor that may explain the equivocal findings in the sport-related research literature is that many studies do not measure the pressure elicited by the compression garment, often reporting only manufacturer-estimated values typically taken from standardised wooden-leg models. However, other research has not been able to demonstrate such effects. Some research has found positive effects of wearing compression garments on exercise performance, or during recovery from exercise.
Such claims of graduated compression implies that a garment elicits high pressures at the distal end, with the pressure gradually reducing towards the proximal end, which may improve venous flow and return.
Some manufacturers claim that their garments elicit ‘graduated compression’. Wearing compression garments is common in sporting environments. In the UK, the guidelines have three pressure classifications (BS-6612 1985): Classes one (14–17 mmHg), two (18–24 mmHg) and three (25–35 mmHg). However, it should be noted that agreed pressure guidelines do not necessarily result in the same classifications in all countries for example, in the UK, France and Germany, specific compression garment pressures correspond to different classifications. In clinical practice, guidelines have been developed to ensure appropriate prescription of compression garment pressures for specific conditions. Made-to-measure compression garments can be made to elicit pressures within and below clinical standards, and to elicit equivalent pressures and gradients in different participants.Ĭompression garments are worn to apply an external, mechanical pressure on the surface of the body, which may compress and support underlying tissues and have been shown to reduce muscle oscillation during exercise. Pressure reduction from the ankle to the gluteal fold in the left and right leg were: control, 8.9 ± 3.5 and 7.4 ± 3.0 asymmetrical, 7.8 ± 3.9 and 21.9 ± 3.2 symmetrical, 25.0 ± 4.1 and 22.3 ± 3.6 (all mmHg, mean ± standard deviation). Linear regression showed that peak pressure at the ankle in the left and right leg were: control garment, 13.5 ± 2.3 and 12.9 ± 2.6 asymmetrical garment, 12.7 ± 2.5 and 26.3 ± 3.4 symmetrical garment, 27.7 ± 2.2 and 27.5 ± 1.6 (all mmHg, mean ± standard deviation). A root mean squared difference analysis was used to calculate the in vivo linear graduation parameters.
Garment pressures were assessed from the malleolus to the gluteal fold using a pressure monitoring device. Based on three-dimensional scans of the participants’ lower body, three different made-to-measure garments were manufactured: control, symmetrical and asymmetrical. The study also examined whether pressures and gradients can be replicated within and between participants’ legs, and between separate compression garment conditions. The purpose of this study was to make made-to-measure compression garments that elicit pressures within and below clinical standards.