Effects of Compression Garments on Skeletal Muscle Physiology, Performance and Recovery in Young Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

C garments (CG) are commercially available and highly popular sports apparel amongst athletes and fitness enthusiasts. CGs were initially used to promote post-operative recovery for lymphedema1 and vascular disorders2 in clinical settings. Pressure applied by the CGs on the muscles, bones and connective tissue had an effect of limiting the area of swelling, aiding venous return and preventing blood from being pooled in the veins. Over years, CGs have made inroads into sports and athletic training and performance-related applications. It has subsequently grown in popularity that is reflected by the global revenue figures being forecasted to increase from approximately USD 23.87 billion in 2016 to USD 32.17 billion by the end of 2022.3 CGs have been proposed to assist in accelerating muscle recovery, reducing muscle soreness4 and improving athletic performance.5 These conclusions have stemmed from evidence suggesting the efficacy of CGs in minimizing muscle oscillations6,7 during exercise and reducing the extent of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).8