COMPRESSION GARMENTS – The truth behind the myth?
Compression base layers are becoming a standard item of clothing in an athlete’s kit bag. But do they really work and how do they work?
The Physiology: In simple layman’s terms the capillary blood system is the transport network to deliver fuel to the working muscles and remove the waste product, keeping the muscles fresh and active during exercise. When the muscles demand extra fuel the capillaries widen and increase blood flow to the muscle to make it work, similarly the by-product of this delivery is waste product (lactic acid) which is removed from the working area by the capillary blood flow.
Once exercise has stopped this increased demand for fuel is reduced and the capillary vessels return to normal with reduced blood flow. However any waste product left in the muscles is left there until the next exercise session – this is the main cause of stiffness in the muscles the following day.
The Theory: A Linebreak compression garment is made using a high Lycra content weaved in such a way to give a constant pressure around the whole muscle. This pressure is known to stimulate capillary blood flow.
During exercise this increase helps feed the muscles with their fuel without overdue work on the body’s circulatory system. Research in May 2006 shows a reduction in Energy expenditure in distance runners when wearing compression garments compared to normal running tights. (Bringard A et al, 2006)
Post exercise the compression garments work on the muscles & artificially increase capillary blood flow to help reduce the waste product left in the muscles at the end of exercise. Worn after exercise for a minimum of 2 hours but recommended to be kept on until the following day, Linebreak compression garments will help the muscles recover faster and allow you to train harder day-after-day, week after week. Worn to bed these ‘technical pyjamas’ may just be the secret aide you need to help you recover from the long Sunday training runs or races when you’ve got to get up for work on a Monday morning!
The Testimonials:
‘I used them in the KIMM. In the end I ran on day one in ordinary long shorts. Once I arrived at the overnight camp, put the Linebreak tights on, where they stayed for 24 hours – i.e. slept in them overnight and ran in them the next day – a very good choice on my part’
‘They are comfy to sleep in, great for running in, especially in the rain and with big river crossings, i.e. great to run in when soaking wet, I still felt warm.’
Sarah Rowell, Winner!
Thank you very much Linebreak for getting me through the 2006 London Marathon. I had struggled with a groin strain that would not go away even after two months rest and had virtually given up all hope of London. Then I saw an advert for your Compression Shorts.
From my first run wearing them I could not believe how great they were, after a month I was doing a track session and they gave me the confidence to get in some much needed long training runs for London. The final result was a marathon time of 3.46.14 and I am now wearing them to aid my recovery. A big thanks to Linebreak, I now have a second pair and I am already recommending your gear to other running club members.
CS, North Derbyshire Running Club
‘From my point of view I found the calf supports and leggings particularly useful, especially after training and matches when it wasn't possible to warm-down at pitchside. Without the warm-down I would normally have expected some soreness and stiffness in my muscles but I put the leggings on after showering and slept in them on the night of the match. When I got up the day after....no soreness and no muscle aches! I would thoroughly recommend them as a training and physical aid to anyone involved in sport and shall continue to use them for the foreseeable future.’
Graham Poll & Glenn Turner FIFA World Cup Referee and Assistant Referee.
What else?
Linebreak compression garments also reduce muscle vibration during exercise which in turn reduces post exercise muscle soreness (DOMS), they support the muscles and aid in proprioception.
Just for the Winter? On the contrary. Linebreak garments regulate your core temperature wicking moisture from your skin to the outside of the garment. This keeps your skin drier but in warm and humid conditions helps cool the body. During research in hot and humid conditions, Linebreak was proven to reduce fluid loss by up to 31%! Linebreak stops you getting chilled in the winter and stops you overheating in the summer.
Linebreak from www.bournesports.com
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