Summary
Sport compression stockings are being used increasingly both during and outside sporting
activities. Whereas the efficacy of medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic
diseases is well proven, the benefit of sport compression stockings for athletes has
not been satisfactorily established. Many studies investigating the possible effects
of sport compression stockings on athletes have paid insufficient attention to the
product features. In contrast to medical compression stockings, no uniform standard
exists for sport compression stockings. In addition, the studies are not always comparable
with regard to the detailed issues. Some studies investigated whole-body compression,
others only below-knee compression. Some concentrated on regeneration, others on the
maximum load. It would also appear advisable to differentiate between recreational
athletes and competitive athletes when measuring outcomes. More reliable measurement
systems are needed to improve the hitherto inadequate data. Until such time, in many
respects, no final conclusions can be drawn on this subject.
Keywords
Sport compression stockings - medical compression stockings - compression therapy
