Compression garments have been used in the medical industry for years with well-publicised benefits of enhancing recovery. When the sports industry recognised the benefits to athletes they began introducing compression garments to improve both recovery and performance.

Correct and proper compression can promote an increase in blood flow (venous return) and stop venous pooling. Faster or more efficient blood flow can increase the removal of waste products to create a more efficient recovery mechanism – ultimately making recovery from exercise quicker, enabling sportspeople to train harder, go further and recover faster.

Compression garments make an object smaller than its original size (in other words, squeezing). It is a simple method which if configured correctly, can help athletes with the following:

All of which helps with faster post exercise recovery, decreased muscular fatigue and therefore physical performance improvements.

As compression cannot be seen, it can only be calculated by measuring the pressure a garment exerts on the body. This is measured in units of millimeters of Mercury (mmHg).

Ideally sportspeople should consider two levels of compression garment, one for exercise, and one for recovery. During exercise, the compression garment should provide enough pressure to promote venous return (blood flow to the heart) and minimise muscle oscillation at impact, but not so much that it inhibits the natural movements of the sport or activity. Too much muscle oscillation can lead to muscle soreness (DOMS) which can impair performance.

For enhanced recovery, when the body is in a semi-relaxed state, when the heart has slowed, the removal of bi-products created during exercise can be enhanced with a higher level of compression. A better venous return improves the removal of bi-products formed during exercise, such as lactic acid, and helps reduce swelling which aids recovery.

At Kurio, we invest heavily in the science behind our product. We are proud to stand at the cutting edge of compression technology—because like the athletes who wear our garments, we never stop looking for ways to improve.

In collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, recently published research confirms that Kurio’s proprietary 3D measurement and manufacturing workflows achieve statistically proven, graduated linear compression across the full length of the leg. The findings also indicate that the prescribed compression – whether engineered for recovery, performance, or travel leggings – remains entirely consistent both within and between individual athletes. Consequently, this advanced manufacturing method is the only way to guarantee that precise compression levels are delivered, maximising the targeted benefits for athletic recovery and performance.”