Body Shop: Compression gear for runners - Military Health, military health and wellness, military physical fitness - Military Times

Body Shop: Compression gear for runners

Manufacturers’ claims that compression gear provides muscle and joint support, boosts endurance and performance, promotes faster recovery, improves circulation and reduces muscle vibration and thermal regulation have piqued the interest of both recreational and professional athletes.

But does compression really work? A University of Connecticut study concluded that compression “appears to help” post-workout recovery. Both men and women did heavy weightlifting and then wore either full-body compression suits or regular clothes for 24 hours. The compression group demonstrated more vitality and less accumulated fatigue and muscle soreness.

But an Indiana University School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation study on compression and athletic performance found that compression garments had no effect on runners’ oxygen consumption, meaning no positive change in overall running efficiency.

“I’ve had just about every running injury over the years, and I’m happy to try anything for an advantage,” said ultrarunner and retired Army Brig. Gen. Robert Gaylord. “Sports gear has changed a lot over the years, but it’s still an experiment to find out what works for each individual runner.”

No matter the science, compression has plenty of devotees.

Gaylord logged long miles on the trail to see what gear made the grade, both during workouts and for recovery. Read on to find out if your workout could benefit from some new gear.

• The claims: Zensah’s line is designed to provide seamless, graduated compression at a good price — and in great colors. Athletic trainers designed the sleeves with temperature-regulating fabric and pinpointed compression for each muscle group and tendon, which they say resulted in increased blood flow to the lower legs, reduced recovery time and targeted shin and calf compression.

• The test: Outstanding. Easy to put on, comfortable and will be my calf sleeve of choice from now on. Using them straight out of the box, I did a 31-mile trail run and my calves felt great after. … I was tired, but my calves would have kept going without cramping.

• $39.99, same for men and women

• www.zensah.com

• The claims: Stabilyx tights are intended to provide targeted support for knees. They feature CW-X’s patented Support Web that “bands together the muscles and ligaments of the lower leg” — the theory being that this will provide stability and also reduce muscle vibration. CW-X’s parent company, Wacoal Sports Science Corp., says reduced muscle vibration can increase efficiency and reduce fatigue based on the company’s own studies.

• The test: These are not just another pair of running tights — you can feel the support as you put them on, which makes them a bit difficult to get on but worth the effort. I hit some ice and went down hard on my knee at Mile 9 of a 30-mile run. I credit the Stabilyx tights for getting me through the rest of the run with very little pain and for feeling good afterward. They have the tendency to slip down just a bit, so I’m not sure my targeted knee support was always in direct alignment.

• $98, available in men’s and women’s

• http://cw-x.com

• The claims: Saucony says these tights are constructed for maximum comfort with strategically placed seams, Microban anti-microbial technology and a plush elastic waistband. The recovery collection features light compression to promote even circulation and thermoregulation throughout the body. The recovery tights are meant to be worn post-workout or while you sleep.

• The test: Recovery time from 30-plus-mile runs was greatly reduced, allowing a quicker return to weekday training and mileage. As a longtime ultramarathoner, putting these tights on for traveling, extended flights or after a big run is a new habit. They were extremely easy to put on and exceptionally comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

• $110, available in men’s and women’s

• www.saucony.com

• The claims: These tights were created for training and competition in high-impact sports. The compression is designed to fit muscles in motion and to improve circulation. They feature moisture-wicking fabric with anti-microbial treatment and 50+ UV protection. They’re meant to be worn with the stirrup under your socks.

• The test: Easy to put on and comfortable, but the stirrup seams may cause discomfort over extreme distances. A great product when used under the right circumstances. I plan to wear them under dress socks for recovery.

• $50, available in men’s and women’s

• www.skinsusa.com

• The claims: The Blitz Knee Sleeve provides two therapies in one — gradient compression for enhanced circulation and cold therapy to reduce pain and prevent soreness after a workout. It targets both the front and back of the knee and has seamless, 360-degree stretch knit fabric for higher levels of compression to provide “optimal support, circulation and mobility.” The idea is to wear the knee sleeves while exercising, then slip the included ice sheets into specially designed pockets at recovery time. The ice sheets are reusable.

• The test: This is a great product if you have knee issues. As touted, the sleeves were easy to put on and wear for support, then to slide the ice packs in when needed. Based on the sizing chart, I got a men’s medium and found them to be on the tight side. I would size up for ease of inserting the ice packs, which stayed cold for about 15 minutes after application. It does what it claims well, although I wonder where the heat element is to make it truly an all-in-one knee support and recovery item.

• $55 a sleeve or $95 for a pair, same for men and women

• http://www.110playharder.com