Compression Garments During and Post Workout?

[holli81]

Okay, we've all seen and many of us have purchased compression garments. You may have used them and actually felt a difference, or you may have used them and just mentally told yourself that it was making a difference. At first, I was skeptical of these compression garments. I didn't see how they could make much of a difference in either training or recovery. Sure, I heard the concept of "flushing" lactic acid from your blood stream quicker, resulting in decreased soreness of muscles, but I was still skeptical. Ashley told me she loves the compression shorts because "it is like a sports bra for your ass!" Now that got me interested! I don't normally have a problem with my ass jiggling around while I run, but if it could control some of that, what I call, inner-thigh chub most of us deal with, I'd definitely give it a shot!

At the expo at Lake Placid IronMan, I was curious about the compression socks and even considering buying a pair. Yes, I was succumbing to the marketing hype. When I put the socks on, I was expecting something magical. But I did not experience that. Instead, I felt like I had an extra layer of unnecessary clothing on my legs in the hot and humid weather. I even asked the girl how it feels running in them in weather like this. Of course, her response was all positive about how great the wicking fabric is and how it actually creates a cooling effect. She also mentioned that if the pro Ironmen and women use them, even in Kona where it's always hot and humid, then they HAVE to be good. Okay, so now I'm thinking I'd like to try them for myself just to see what these things can do. The only reason I did not buy them is because I didn't want to spend $55 on them, when I can get them for $15 at the pharmacy. Sure, the ones at the pharmacy may not have the fancy wicking fabric, but I didn't buy the whole "cooling effect" anyway.

Still curious about this whole concept, I found an interesting article while doing my research. A study was done last year and published in December of 2008 in a medical journal (International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance) on this very issue. Do compression garments actually help during exercise and/or in the recovery phase? In the study, they compared nude mass, heart rate, skin and inner ear temperatures, blood lactic acid, and creatine kinase levels for all athletes with and without the garments. The result? Absolutely NO difference. Well, actually there WAS one difference: increased skin temperature while wearing the garments. Hmm, that's some great "cooling" effect then, huh?

Holli

[Eric]

Holli,

I only wear compression sleeves on my calves for recovery after very hard workouts. I will not wear them during racing unless the weather is a little bit cooler. That being said, I have never experienced the "i owe my run to the compression sleeves" phenomenon. However, I do believe that it speeds up recovery.

E

[jared]

Yeah, this is interesting. I would definitely like to see more studies completed on the subject. Either to say, "Yes, you are not just being too cool for school by wearing those socks around" or "Nice fashion accessory!".

[Damon]

I have to admit that I do not like the way they look during a race. It's like watching 70's basketball again or perhaps a hardcore game of squash (if you like in Australia). I have to agree with Tim DeBoom on this one. I don't care how fast or slow you are or how much you think it helps during exercise, please do not wear compression socks in a race. Save them for on the plane or in the car on your way home. )

Damon

[jared]

You mean this quote from word association in an interview with Triathlete Mag?

"Triathlete: Compression socks. DeBoom: Bad news again. We’re bad enough running around in our Speedos out there; we don’t need to add knee-high socks. I don’t care if they work or not."

[Brian]

DeBoom is old and washed up... and his comeback will fall miserably short. If it were up to him we'd all still be riding funny bikes (big wheel in the back, small in the front) and wearing speedos on the run.

If you've ever known the excruciating pain of shin splints then you would kiss your compression socks every night. I don't give a rats ass how I look in them, only that they allow me to be out there running. When did triathlon become more about fashion than fitness and health?

[jared]

Ha! That is true. We're going to take fashion advice from the guy who still races in a Speedo sometimes?

I didn't even think about shin splints, Brian, but I definitely agree with you if they're working for you. I'll also try getting a pair for recovery and see how they work. I would like to see more studies and results but for $30 I'll probably just go get some and try them for recovery.

[jared]

Interesting announcement that's a game changer for this discussion, Ironman Hawaii Bans Compression Socks.

I'm not sure if this is just for Kona or if it's going to trickle down to the other IM sanctioned event. We will see...

[jared]

Absolutely ridiculous! Now the compression sock ban in Hawaii has been reversed! They're just going to forgo body marking on calves so it's "fair" to everyone. Apparently I would have an advantage if you couldn't read my age on my calf? And by me I mean the hypothetical runner that's actually competing in Kona... not actually me...

[Damon]

Hmm, I wondered about that. It's true though if you're an age-grouper you can't tell what age a competitor is without the age on their calf. My thoughts are that if someone is passing me, I may not be able to keep up with them even if I know they are in my age group.

Brian, do you kiss your compression socks after wearing them? If so, that is gross I have a couple stretch/exercises you can try that will alleviate some pain associated with shin splints and may make them more of a memory. You will need a partner to do them. Anyway, I can show you that stuff when I see you next. Just remind me!

Damon

p.s. Triathlon has always been about making a fashion statement! I suppose you could consider compression socks part of that movement.