Compression garment

Compression garments are pieces of clothing such as socks, pantyhose, sleeves, etc, that provide support that is especially useful for people who have to stand for long periods, or people with poor circulation. The garments can come in varying degrees of compression. The higher degrees require a doctor's prescription. Compression garments worn on the legs can help prevent deep vein thrombosis and reduce swelling, especially while traveling.

Compression tights are also worn by some athletes.

Research
The Australian Physiotherapy Physiotherapists Association (APA) has endorsed skins products. The APA chief executive officer David Malone said that the endorsement shows that physiotherapists can now recommend Skins, as it meets the stringent criteria involved with an APA endorsement. [1] Through testing repeat-sprint and throwing performance in cricket players, it was found that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) by way of higher mean skin temperature, lower 24 h post exercise CK values and lower 24 h post exercise ratings of muscle soreness when wearing compression garments. [2]

In materials testing, the compressive garment provided increased flexion and extentsion, which could help reduce hamstring injuries. They also reduced impact by 27% compared to american football pants alone. [3]