The medical compression stocking between inducing muscle atrophy and improvement of athletic performance

• Published in: Phlebologie (Stuttgart, Germany) Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 240 - 245
• Main Authors: M. Marshall, V. Wienert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Schattauer Verlag für Medizin und Naturwissenschaften 01.09.2012
• Subjects: Blood lactate; Compression stockings; creatine kinase; muscle injury; recreation; Sporting loads
• ISSN: 0939-978X

With restrictions it may be noted that in various sporting loads – up to sprint and drop jump loads – muscle damage is significantly reduced due to compression stockings and thus the recovery will be influenced favourably. For cycling and running sports loads – even in medium well trained runners with calf compression stockings – there could be demonstrated low power and/or performance improvements by compression stockings. Compression stockings are probably advantageous for endurance athletes, although further studies are needed. Whether appropriate rules for competitions are required, must be decided by the sports federations. Sport-physiologically medical compression stockings actually move between muscle atrophy and low improvement of performance, depending on how they are used. For the recreational athlete a compression calf stocking of compression class 1 to 2 is recommended for intensive endurance loads.