Compression therapy in sport

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

• References

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