Key Takeaway
Comprehensive scoping review of 183 studies found equivocal evidence for compression garments improving performance, but likely benefits for reducing muscle oscillation and positive sensorimotor effects
Summary
This systematic scoping review identified 183 studies on compression garments published through December 2020. Evidence is equivocal for performance improvements, with little evidence supporting kinetic or kinematic benefits. However, compression likely reduces muscle oscillatory properties and has positive effects on sensorimotor systems.
Methods
Systematic scoping review searching PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and CINAHL from earliest record to December 2020. Identified 183 studies for qualitative analysis. ~85% published between 2010-2020. Published in Sports Medicine.
Key Results
Equivocal evidence for performance improvement. Little evidence for kinetic/kinematic benefits. Compression likely reduces muscle oscillation. Positive effects on sensorimotor systems. Perceived benefits may exceed measured physiological effects.
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Limitations
Scoping review without meta-analysis. Extreme heterogeneity in garment types, pressures, and study protocols. Most studies used commercially available garments with unknown pressure profiles. Lack of standardized outcome measures. Publication bias toward positive findings.