A compression wear compresses the surface of the skin and thereby exerts a surface pressure on the body part where it is worn. Due to this balanced pressure, blood flow is accelerated, and the affected muscle groups obtain more oxygen, which enhances faster recovery.
Athletes can derive various benefits from compression wear.
- While training or in competitions, the muscles vibrate and oscillate. A compression wear can provide support to the muscles.
- If an impact takes place from a blow, then the muscles shake and might get injured. A compression wear can reduce the shaking of the muscles and thereby, prevent or minimize the injury.
- The muscles can become fatigued after an intensive workout or even during a workout. A compression wear can reduce fatigue, as it keeps the muscles warm.
- A compression wear is stretchable, so martial artists can easily perform stretching exercises, acrobatics, or high kicks.
- A compression wear is breathable, so the body remains cool and comfortable.
- A compression wear can wick away sweat, so the body does not feel sticky.
Besides benefiting athletes, a compression wear can also benefit non-athletes, if they suffer from aching and tired legs, or have swollen ankles, or swollen legs. However, non-athletes should use compression wear only after consulting a doctor.
Types of compression wear
The two major types of compression wear are:
—Compartmental compression wear
—Graduated compression wear
In compartmental compression wear, the compression is provided in particular compartments or areas of the body. This type of compression wear is usually designed for specific sporting activities.
In graduated compression wear, the compression is graduated over an area of a body and thus, during workouts, the blood can flow back easily to the core. This type of compression wear is most often used and is easily available.
Material used in compression wear
Compression wear are generally made from a blend of polyester and lycra, or spandex and nylon. A blend of 85% polyester and 15% lycra offers a moderate level of compression and can serve as training tops or training tights.
Compression levels
Compression wear can provide four levels of compression, namely mild compression (8-15 mmHg), moderate compression (15-20 mmHg), firm compression (20-30 mmHg), and extra firm compression (30-40 mmHg). Mild and moderate compression wear are freely available, while firm and extra firm compression wear are available only with a medical prescription. Healthy athletes tend to use mild compression wear or moderate compression wear. It should be noted that compression wear should not be worn while sleeping, since they are not designed to be worn in bed.
Pacific Sports compression wear
At Pacific Sports, all compression wear are made to the highest quality standards. For women martial artists, compression tops and compression tights can be worn inside a gi. The compression top is great for the upper body, while compression tights are suitable to keep the hips, quads, glutes and the calves warm. Made from a blend of 85% polyester and 15% lycra, they provide a moderate level of compression. Sweat is easily wicked away and the flatlock stitching makes them super comfortable. They are not see-through even when stretched. A sublimated design makes them attractive and it won’t fade. While offering a snug fit, it also protects the skin from chafing and irritation. They are available in S, M, L, XL sizes and the price is same for all the sizes.
REFERENCES:
- Marqués-Jiménez, D., Calleja-González, J., Arratibel, I., Delextrat, A., & Terrados, N. (2016). Are compression garments effective for the recovery of exercise-induced muscle damage? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Physiology & behavior, 153, 133–148. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26522739/ [Accessed on 26 Aug 2022]
- UPMC Health Beat (Jan 7, 2016). Webpage. Sports Medicine: Benefits of Compression Gear. Available at: https://share.upmc.com/2016/01/benefits-of-compression-gear/ [Accessed on 26 Aug 2022]
- Upton, C. M., Brown, F., & Hill, J. A. (2017). Efficacy of Compression Garments on Recovery From a Simulated Rugby Protocol. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 31(11), 2977–2982. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28859013/ [Accessed on 26 Aug 2022]
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