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Compression garments are pieces of clothing that fit tightly around the skin. In medical contexts, compression garments provide support for people who have to stand for long periods or have poorcirculation. These come in varying degrees of compression, and higher degree compression sleeves, such as sleeves that provide compression of 20–30 mmHg or higher, typically require a doctor's prescription.[1] Compression garments worn on the legs can help preventdeep vein thrombosis and reduce swelling, especially while traveling.
Compression can also be used for post surgeries, to help with the healing process. Garment usage varies per patient but can be worn up to a year. There are also second stage compression garments, that are every day wear.
In sports, form-fitting compression sportswear, usually made ofspandex, is commonly worn by athletes and in exercise to preventchafing andrashes.
Abellyband,wrap, orabdominal binder is a compression garment which resembles atubetop but worn over the abdomen of expectant mothers.[2] Bellybands are also commonly worn post-childbirth to help provide abdominal and back support thereby making it easier to perform day to day tasks, and to help mothers with their posture.
Compression stockings and socks are hosiery specifically designed to help prevent the occurrence of various medical disorders relating to blood circulation in the legs. They can also be used to halt the progression of these disorders.
Compression gloves arehandwear designed to help prevent the occurrence of various medical disorders relating to blood circulation in the wrists and hands. They can be used to treat the symptoms ofarthritis,[3] though the medical benefits may be limited.[4]
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Compression sportswear (shirts, shorts, sleeves, socks or underwear) is usually worn by athletes who wish to enhance performance or recovery speed. Garments areform-fitting garments often made from aspandex-type material.
Depending on the material used and the requirements of the sport, compression garments can be designed to keep athletes cool or warm. For example, speedskaters can wear compression bodysuits on the cold rink, while beach volleyball players can wear a similar-looking suit made of a more breathable, lightweight blend. Both use moisture wicking materials like nylon and spandex in order to keep the garment lightweight. Additionally, speed skaters can use the aerodynamic nature of wearing a skintight suit to their advantage, while a beach volleyball player has the added benefit of SPF 50+ garments to keep them protected during sunny days.[5] The athletes pictured show some alleged benefits that make compression garments popular in a wide range of sports and different designs.
Although there are strong claims that compression garments could improve sports performance, methodological approaches and the direction of evidence regarding garments for use in high-intensity exercise settings are diverse and in certain scenarios do not show clear positive evidence.[6]
The conclusion of this 2018 meta-analysis showed that lower-limb compression garments were not associated with improved running performance, vertical jump, VO2max, VO2submax, lactate concentration, or rating of perceived exertion during high-intensity exercise.
Compression shorts and tights are usually worn by athletes. They areform-fitting garments and cover the wearer's waist to mid or lower thigh, similar tocycling shorts. They are referred to asspats in Japan andsafety shorts in South Korea.
Many are available with acup pocket, a sewn-in pocket that can hold a protective cup. It is arguable that compression shorts do not keep cups in the proper position, tight to the body and not moving, as ajockstrap can. Some male players wear the compression shorts over the traditional jockstrap.[7][failed verification]
Compression shorts are also popular among female athletes, especially amongst those who wearskirts orkilts during games. In those situations, athletes wear compression shorts under the skirt so if they fall over and their skirts ride up, their underwear will not be exposed. This is seen particularly inwomen's lacrosse andfield hockey (both being limited contact sports in which players often wear skirts). Women also wear compression shorts in tennis, where, most recently, compression shorts have been produced with ball pockets for convenience.[8]
