"Sport a pair of compression socks and you'll not only look like a (dorky) superhero, you might run like one, too. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research concluded that the squeeze from the stockings may stimulate an increased flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles, which helps them work more efficiently, and can significantly improve running performance."... so I might have started jumping up and down (well, on one foot at least). As anyone who runs with me on a regular basis knows, I often times wear bright red compression socks. While I thought that my legs felt better when I was wearing them versus not, I had chalked this up to being largely psychological (it's hard not to be biased when you've spent the past 3+ years of your life researching compression stockings). But, when I read that my hunch had been confirmed, I decided that it was time to post something.
Ok, mini physiology lesson here (this will help explain why compression stockings work). One of the functions of the calf muscle is to push blood back to the heart (i.e., as the muscle contracts and relaxes, it pumps blood up the limb). When you are seated or standing for long periods of time (i.e., not engaging your calf), blood can pool in the lower leg because gravity pulls it there. So, compression socks are basically "special socks" that are knitted to promote blood flow back to the heart (i.e., they are tightest at the ankle, and become less tight as you move up the limb). This aids in "waste removal" (i.e., lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts that can lead to increased pain, fatigue, etc.) from the leg muscles during exercise. A lot of athletic compression socks also use a "webbing system" to support the calf and further supplement the "calf muscle pump". I could go on talking about compression stockings for days, so if you want to know more... #20
Interesting research...but how does one wear them and avoid looking like a total dork? Has that bit of research been left to phase II of the study?
ReplyDeletehahaha... guess since I am a total dork, I don't mind looking like one! But seriously, I've seen more and more people wearing them at races and stuff (Nicole saw someone swim in them during a tri too)... so new fashion trend?!?
ReplyDeleteCan then be made with neoprene to increase boyancy in the swim?
ReplyDeletehmmmmm... don't see why they couldn't incorporate neoprene! This would also be interesting in terms of delivering different types of compression, as neoprene does not give nearly as much as the more elastic thread that compression stockings are traditionally made from. Maybe a neoprene webbing system?!?
ReplyDelete