THE EFFECTS OF COMPRESSION GARMENTS ON SPORTS PERFORMANCE AND FATIQUE

Abstract

This study is to explore the effects of compression garments on sports performance and fatigue. Testees performed 20-meter sprints in normal shorts and compression garments. Following the sprints, the testees performed vertical jumps before and after the fatigue test. Fatigue test is based on the Opto Jump 60-s CMJ test. Fatigue indices were then calculated. Biomechanics data were collected through two AMTl force plates and an eightcamera motion analysis system. Our research findings indicate that the average sprint times for normal shorts and compression garments are not statistically different, that the fatigue indices for compression garments are significantly lower than those for normal shorts, and, finally, that the jump performance pre- and post- fatigue test for compression garments did not differ statistically. This implies that compression garments can ease fatigue and, consequently, lead to better performance.