Effects of Compression Wear on Performance

Compression wear has become an integral part of athletic gear, leveraging exercise physiology to potentially enhance athletic performance. This section delves into the specific effects of compression gear on factors like blood circulation and muscle efficiency during exercise.

Enhanced Blood Circulation

Compression garments apply constant mechanical pressure to the body, which may facilitate increased blood flow, particularly venous return. For athletes, this is crucial as improved blood circulation can support more efficient removal of metabolic wastes like lactic acid during and after running or other strenuous activities. This enhanced circulation is particularly important for endurance runners who rely on efficient blood flow to maintain performance over extended periods.

Oxygen Delivery and Use During Exercise

The oxygen supply to the muscles is pivotal for aerobic metabolism and sustained athletic performance. Compression wear is designed to aid in the optimization of oxygen delivery to the muscles by stabilizing the blood flow. For runners, this can translate to better oxygen utilization and could lead to improvements in running economy—how efficiently a person uses oxygen while running at various speeds.