One
of the most popular athletic garments these days – available in an endless array
of fashionable hues and patterns – are compression tights. But, do they boost
runners’ performance, as the manufacturers claim?
Many
runners say, yes. Researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner
Medical Center recently set out to test this theory about the
effects of compression tights on running. Their results were presented at the American
College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting last month.
They
evaluated twenty experienced runners who were asked to complete treadmill runs
on two separate occasions--first wearing regular running shorts followed by
compression tights.
Body
movement and muscle vibrations were recorded to determine which clothing led to
a greater exertion.
Results
showed that the muscle fatigue registered for both types of clothing was about
the same, indicating there is little scientific evidence that compression
tights actually lead to a more intense workout.
But,
don’t stow away those compressions tights just yet. Researchers say to keep
wearing them if you like them. There is a
mental boost associated with wearing something that feels good when you put it
on, which often translates to a longer run or harder work out in the end.
(Adapted
from CNN-Health)
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