Our Research

We conduct all of our research independently in collaboration with top institutions, without depending on research from third parties.

Our Latest Research Results

Customised pressure profiles of made-to-measure sports compression garments with Nottingham Trent University

Kurio Science – The Proof

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.

How it works

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.

Made to Measure Compression – The Proof

The majority of published studies do not measure the degree of pressure exerted by the garments and simply report the estimated levels indicated by the manufacturer. A potential problem with this is that the garments are usually fitted based on the individual’s height and weight. Owing to the differences in body shape and variations in tissue structure, there may be large ranges in the pressure exerted locally by a garment in one size classification. – Published British Journal of Sports Medicine

Many studies on the effectiveness of compression agree that only if the compression garment provides gradient support of 20-30 mmHG of pressure throughout will it be really effective. For example, our own research with Progressive Sports Technologies of Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute shows that unless a compression garment is cut to precisely match the individual’s measurements, the consistency and effectiveness of the compression garment is compromised. Furthermore, Kurio’s unique method for manufacturing each compression garment to your body-shape have been shown to produce accurate pressures to our exacting standards, with identical compression in each limb, irrespective of any differences in their shape. Moreover, we can manufacture garments with consistent compression, so that if you order one garment or one for every day of the week, you can expect them to apply the same pressures.

Kurio made to measure compression garments are guaranteed to offer this level of gradient support throughout.

Research

At Kurio we heavily invest in the science behind our product and are proud to be at the cutting edge of compression technology. Like all athletes we are always looking for ways to improve.

Recent research with Nottingham Trent University which has been published demonstrates that Kurio 3D specific measurement and manufacturing techniques produce statistically proven graduated linear compression along the full length of the leg. Their results also indicate that the prescribed compression whether it is for the recovery, performance or travel leggings is consistent within individuals and between individuals. This method of manufacturing is the only way to determine that the correct levels of compressions are being delivered and therefore maximising the specific benefits of wearing compression garments for recovery and performance.

Researched & Developed in Partnership with

Don’t just take our word for it! We have developed and researched our compression wear with leading UK Universities.