Compression Garments and Swimming Continued

A while back Allan Phillips discussed compression garments and recovery. His conclusions were inconclusive, stating "[f]or now, know the evidence indicates compression gear may or may not be helpful but it’s unlikely to be harmful.  The mechanisms behind compression are still unclear, but warming, proprioception, and assistance in the mechanical removal of waste products are all common theories. as these devices are relatively new". 

Since his piece, a new article using a randomized blinded study was published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Hamlin et al. used a placebo compression garment to decrease the amount of a placebo effect. In fact, these garments not only felt similar, but looked similar!

Compared with the placebo, the compression garments had substantially higher tissue pressures (8.6 mm Hg compared to 2.6 mm Hg). Compression garments had a likely positive effect on 3-km heart rate maximum. There was a positive effect on sprint times creatine kinase levels demonstrated trivial differences between trials. 

This study suggests the use of small compression garments is beneficial for recovery in sprint and endurance activities associated with rugby. The physiological mechanisms behind this improvement is still unknown, but it is hypothesized an improvement in venous blood return is likely the reason. However, the relationship between improved venous blood return and improvement is still uncertain (perhaps it aides glycogen recovery).


Summary
Compression garments during a 24-hour recovery period seem to aide sprint and endurance performance in rugby activities. However, these improvements were not statistically significant, preventing a full recommendation of compression garments. Moreover, it is necessary to see if these improvements are noted over a long period of training, as a removal of fluid may prevent strength improvements. Future research is still needed and replication studies of different parameters are necessary before advocating compression garments. Until further studies are performed, it seems Allan's recommendation still applies: "[f]or now, know the evidence indicates compression gear may or may not be helpful but it’s unlikely to be harmful.  The mechanisms behind compression are still unclear, but warming, proprioception, and assistance in the mechanical removal of waste products are all common theories. as these devices are relatively new". 

Reference

1. Hamlin MJ, Mitchell CJ, Ward FD, Draper N, Shearman JP, Kimber NE. Effect of compression garments on short-term recovery of repeated sprint and 3-km running performance in rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Nov;26(11):2975-82. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182711e0b.

G. John Mullen received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science of Health from Purdue University. He is the founder of the Center of Optimal Restoration, head strength coach at Santa Clara Swim Club, creator of the Swimmer's Shoulder System, and chief editor of the Swimming Science Research Review.