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Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Fabrication of Compressed Hosiery and Measurement of its Pressure Characteristic Exerted on the Lower Limbs
Published on: May 27, 2020
Wearing compression socks during exercise aids subsequent performance
Ned Brophy-Williams1, Matthew W Driller2, Cecilia M Kitic3
1Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Australia; Sport Performance Optimisation Research Team (SPORT), University of Tasmania, Australia; Physiology, New South Wales Institute of Sport, Australia.
Objectives:
To assess the effect of wearing compression socks on immediate and subsequent 5km running time trials, with particular attention to the influences on physiological, perceptual and performance-based parameters.
Design:
Counter-balanced cross-over experiment.
Methods:
Twelve male runners (mean±SD 5km run time 19:29±1:18min:s) each completed two experimental sessions. Sessions consisted of a standardised running warm-up, followed by a 5km time trial (TT1), a one hour recovery period, then a repeat of the warm-up and 5km time trial (TT2). One session required the use of sports compression socks during the first warm-up and time trial (COMP), while the other did not (CON).
Results:
The decline in run performance in CON from TT1 to TT2 was moderate and significantly greater than that experienced by runners in COMP (9.6s, d=0.67, p<0.01). No difference was found between experimental conditions for oxygen consumption, blood lactate or calf volume (p=0.61, 0.54, 0.64, respectively). Perceptual measures of muscle soreness, fatigue and recovery were also similar between trials (p=0.56, 1.00 & 0.61, respectively).
Conclusions:
Wearing sports compression socks during high intensity running has a positive impact on subsequent running performance. The underlying mechanism of such performance enhancement remains unclear, but may relate to improved oxygen delivery, reduced muscle oscillation, superior running mechanics and athlete beliefs.
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