The purpose of this investigation was to measure the interface pressure exerted by lower body sports compression garments, in order to assess the effect of garment type, size and posture in athletes. Twelve national-level boxers were fitted with sports compression garments (tights and leggings), each in three different sizes (undersized, recommended size and oversized). Interface pressure was assessed across six landmarks on the lower limb (ranging from medial malleolus to upper thigh) as athletes assumed sitting, standing and supine postures. Sports compression leggings exerted a significantly higher mean pressure than sports compression tights (P < 0.001). Oversized tights applied significantly less pressure than manufacturerrecommended size or undersized tights (P < 0.001), yet no significant differences were apparent between different-sized leggings. Standing posture resulted in significantly higher mean pressure application than a seated posture for both tights and leggings (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Pressure was different across landmarks, with analyses revealing a pressure profile that was neither strictly graduated nor progressive in nature. The pressure applied by sports compression garments is significantly affected by garment type, size and posture assumed by the wearer.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	compression garments, sports performance, exercise recovery
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Human Movement and Sports Science
Research Field:	Exercise Physiology
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Other Health
Objective Field:	Health not elsewhere classified
Author:	Brophy-Williams, N (Mr Ned Brophy-Williams)
Author:	Driller, MW (Dr Matthew Driller)
Author:	Shing, CM (Dr Cecilia Kitic)
Author:	Fell, JW (Associate Professor James Fell)
Author:	Halson, SL (Dr Shona Halson)
ID Code:	97700
Year Published:	2014
Deposited By:	Health Sciences A
Deposited On:	2015-01-08
Last Modified:	2015-04-27
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