title: [Effects of compression textiles on performance enhancement and recovery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In competitive sports different types of compression garments (socks, shorts, tights and whole body suits) have become popular. The results of scientific studies regarding their effectiveness, however, are heterogeneous. The aim of this literature review is to (i) survey the scientific data regarding performance enhancing benefits and the support of recovery when applying compression fabrics and (ii) to describe the practical relevance for the application of compression textiles in the competitive sport context.
  
  
  METHODS
  In order to detect relevant publications for the present review an internet search using the medical databases "Medline" and "PubMed" was performed. Altogether, 37 studies were analysed. All publications were from the years 1987 to 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature review showed no general scientific indications regarding the benefit of compression garments in competitive sports.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In particular, the different study designs and different clothing styles as well as different pressure gradients gave rise to contradictory data.
authors.affiliation: Fachgebiet Sportwissenschaft, Bergische Universität Wuppertal. sperlich@dshs-koeln.de
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sperlich
authors.forename: D-P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Born
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haegele
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zinner
authors.forename: H-C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Holmberg
mesh_terms: D003020:Clothing; D058128:Compression Bandages; D019245:Compressive Strength; D006801:Humans; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D019876:Sports Equipment; D013784:Textiles