Do compression garments enhance running performance? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Compression garments are widely used by runners aiming to improve performance.
• However, scientific evidence supporting these benefits remains inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• To compare the effects of wearing compression garments versus non-compression garments on running performance.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of multiple databases was conducted up to September 2024.
• Data from 51 RCTs involving 899 participants were analyzed.
• Meta-analyses assessed primary outcomes (race time, time to exhaustion) and secondary outcomes, with certainty of evidence rated low to very low.

Main Results:

• No significant improvements were observed in race time or time to exhaustion for runners wearing compression garments.
• Secondary outcomes also showed no performance benefits.
• Compression garments did significantly reduce soft tissue vibration, but this did not translate to performance enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence from RCTs does not support the use of compression garments during running for enhancing running or endurance performance.
• The findings apply to runners of various levels and race types.