Athletic Compression Clothing; a great marketing idea without scientific evidence. Compression clothes sell on the basis of improved oxygen flow, improved health and an improved feeling of wellbeing. Many of our patient athletes use these for running and some brands such as Under Armour and Lululemon athletica have made millions using variations on the idea. Some brands have even placed proprioceptive tape type patterns on their clothing with the promise of better body mechanics when running or working out. The problem is, where is the proof that this has a benefit at all. The NY Times recently investigated compression clothes and found out that studies do not support the sales hype. Check it out here Can Compression Clothing Enhance Your Workout? By Gretchen Reynolds In recent years, many people who exercise have begun wearing compression clothes. These snug-fitting socks, shorts, tights or shirts, which squeeze muscles as tightly as sausage casings, are reputed to improve performance during exercise and speed recovery afterward. But a new study and several reviews of relevant research raise interesting questions about whether the garments really function as expected and help people to exercise better and, if they do, whether it is the clothing or people’s expectations doing most of the work. The rationales for wearing compression clothing are logical enough. “The garments supposedly increase blood circulation and thus oxygen delivery for improved sport performance,” said Abigail Stickford, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, who led the new study of compression clothes. read more here