Compression Socks for Running: What They’re Not Telling You
Using compression socks for running, recovery and even to speed up rehab from injury, is practiced by athletes, coaches and trainers at the highest levels. However, only graduated compression socks with a compression range measured in “mmHg” are clinically proven to be effective.
So you should beware of the generic “compression socks” you see advertised. If they are not listing a compression value (eg. 15-20mmHg, 20-30mmHg) they are almost certainly not incorporating graduated compression, and can actually constrict your circulation and cause serious problems.
VO2fx® compression socks for running incorporate patented designs and technology, and the 15-20mmHg and 20-30mmHg styles are also registered with the FDA as a Class I Medical Device.
Compression Socks for Running: Evidence Based Science
Athletes use compression socks in three distinct ways, and each application of the technology is supported by clinical studies that have proven graduated compression socks to be effective.
Perhaps the most impressive effect is the virtual elimination of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness after running. This was first reported in February 2007, The Journal of Sports Science[i] published the results of the first study to examine the use of graduated compression socks during and after the participants performed a fast-paced continuous 10-km road run.
There was a marked difference in the frequency of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) 24 hours after the exercise.
“A staggering 86% of the participants wearing graduated compression socks experienced no DOMS at all, compared to just 7% of those wearing regular ankle socks.”
Then in January 2009, The Journal of Strength Conditioning Research[ii] published the results of a groundbreaking study conducted by the Institute of Medical Physics, University of Erlangen-Nurnberg in Germany.
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of graduated compression socks on running performance in men runners.
Both the time under work load and total work output were significantly higher with compression socks as were the running performance at the anaerobic and aerobic thresholds.
“The study concluded that socks delivering constant compression in the area of the calf muscle significantly improved running performance.”
So, running and recovering in your VO2fx® compression socks can literally increase your speed, improve your endurance and slash your recovery time. And as they say in the classics …
“But that’s not all!”
Your VO2fx® compression socks also perform a vital function in the treatment of muscle and ligament strains and sprains, and actually speed up your rehab from injury. As the gold standard for post-operative patients leaving hospital, graduated compression socks are prescribed to reduce painful swelling, and to transport excess fluids into the bloodstream and away from the injured site of your leg.
VO2fx® is the only graduated compression sock incorporated into the game day uniform of professional football teams in the NFL. The proprietary VO2fx®athletic compression sock design is patented and registered with the FDA as a Class I Medical Device.
[i] Ali, A., Caine, M. P. & Snow, B. G. (2007). Graduated compression stockings: Physiological and perceptual responses during and after exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25 (4), 413-419.
[ii] Kemmler, Wolfgang, Stengel, Simon von, Köckritz, Christina, Mayhew, Jerry, Wassermann, Alfred, Zapf, Jürgen (2009). Effect of compression stockings on running performance in men runners. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(1), 101-105.
Which came first, the poor circulation problems for athletes or the graduated compression soultion? Luckily it doesn’t matter.
hi-ya i found your website today and just wanna thanks for posting it so we all can learn about compression socks technology – never knew it was so scientific:)! I’m studying exercise physiology, so I eat this stuff up
bonjour
It’s a nice blog you have over here! It’s very usefull information for me and I just want to thank you for that! If you post more threads on running compression socks and rehab, as this one, I’ll follow your blog active!
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[...] Compression Socks for Running: Evidence Based ScienceAthletes use compression socks in three distinct ways, and each application of the technology is supported by clinical studies that have proven graduated compression socks to be effective. [...]
You have a lot of great info, saved to bookmarks (:.
[...] Compression Socks for Running: Evidence Based ScienceAthletes use compression socks in three distinct ways, and each application of the technology is supported by clinical studies that have proven graduated compression socks to be effective. [...]
[...] Compression Socks for Running: Evidence Based ScienceAthletes use compression socks in three distinct ways, and each application of the technology is supported by clinical studies that have proven graduated compression socks to be effective. [...]
Compression socks have become very popular with athletes. Thanks for the information regarding generic vs. graduated compression socks. That is something that I will keep an eye out for next time I need to buy a pair of compression socks.
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