"So, the few studies that have investigated the effect of compression clothing on sprinting and endurance running, have reported modest-to-no effect in terms of physiological measures and overall performance times...Entering the term “compression clothing” into the National Library of Medicine returns only 15 research studies. Of those studies, less than half were well-controlled scientific investigations...So clearly research needs to be conducted to help you....understand the pros and cons. Based on the paucity of research, I’ll state that if you think compression clothing helps – wear it! As I’ve said many times in previous articles, the root cause of injuries is complex and cannot simply be prevented or resolved by any one piece of clothing, shoe, or strengthening exercise. Be body-aware and experience the joy of [running] – while wearing a piece of clothing that prevents tissue jiggle or not… your choice." - Dr. Reed Ferber PhD, CAT(C), University of Calgary This is pretty much my position, too. If you like them and think they work, awesome, go forth, but don't claim any scientifically proven consensus because there isn't any. 90% placebo, 10% 'May help reduce jiggling'
When he says "overall performance times" he's talking about whether compression wear helps athletes perform better and I'd agree that there's little to no performance increase.... but that's not the benefit we're talking about. There are recognized benefits in terms of blood flow and it helping to remove waste products faster thereby reducing recovery times.
