In the last years, it has been common to see amateur runners wearing compression stockings in streets, parks and gym clubs. The effect of these stockings has been intensively studied. A recent research, developed at University of São Paulo – Ribeirão Preto and published in
Journal of Vascular Surgery concluded that compression stockings improve venous circulation during runs. In the research, amateur runners without any
circulatory problem ran 10 Km in a treadmill with and without compression stockings. Venous circulation was analyzed through a test called plethysmography and the results were compared. Compression stockings promoted an improvement in venous circulation.
Sportive compression stockings exert graduated compression on the foot and the leg. The compression is greater on the foot than on the leg. Thus, these stockings help the blood to return the heart. This effect alleviates leg swelling and heaviness after runs. There is also some evidence that compression stockings facilitate recovery of muscle function and reduce muscle soreness after exercises.
After all, should amateurs runners wear compression stockings? The results of the above mentioned research showed that there was some benefit in 10 Km runs. So, compression stockings should be recommended for these runners. However, before start training with one of these stockings, be sure that the level of compression is adequate. It is very important to put on the stockings in a correct way. Good run!
Click here and know more about the research.Source: Effect of graduated compression stockings on venous lower limb hemodynamics in healthy amateur runners.J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2018 Jan;6(1):83-89.
