Compression clothing?

does anyone use this stuff?
i have been given some calf length socks, used them a couple of times after long rides
but unlike recovery drinks/nune tablets/go gels that have an obvious effect i have no idea how they work or what exactly they are supposed to do?

They are 'supposed' to increase the blood flow in the compressed area after exercise to aid recovery.

Some marketing info here..
http://www.skinsusa.com/

Skins™ is body-moulded gradient compression performance equipment with built-in BioAcceleration Technology™ which will enhance your performance in training, competition and recovery. The future of technical wear is engineered gradient compression. When compression is engineered to apply a balanced and accurate surface pressure over specific body parts, it triggers an acceleration of blood flow. This increases oxygen delivery to working muscles to enhance their performance. The circulation improvements also help the body to eliminate lactic acid and other metabolic wastes. The combination of these effects allows you to work at a higher rate for longer. The improved oxygenation is most marked in recovery from exercise. As a result, muscle repair is accelerated, with a greater effect if your Skins™ are worn for longer, The best effects on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which can last for more than 48 hours, are seen after 8 hours during which time pain, muscle weakness and alertness are dramatically improved.

coughbullshitcough

I've used them by the way. Do they do anything? Not sure. Was my recovery adequate for things like L2P and TOI? Yes.
"They can't hurt" was my logic behind trying them.

I wear knee-high compression socks for really long runs. I got them given and told as well that they help recovery. Haven't really felt a big effect other than looking like a granny. Also going with hippy's "can't do harm" philosophy; on the half-marathon lots of people wore them. To summarise the situation: who knows?

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15650408

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/the-benefits-of-compression-clothing-35846

http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/03/compression-garments-for-cycling/

pain in the arse to get on and off though.

I've only got knee length ones.

Ooh Matron!

Aren't they akin to hospital tights?

Yeah, basically. Although obviously they are sexier to appeal to vain athlete-types..

That's why I don't tread these boards too much*.

My dad's got one for his titanium knee, but not in such batmanesque styling above. You're breathing in a lot in that photo aren't you Hippy?

• sorry, shit pun.
  

There's not a chance in the sweet sweet firey depths of hell I would get into that thing.

I have tights. I like to sleep in them.

I have nappies. I have to sleep in them.

The Troubles.

It stops me weeing on your leg in the night

And that's why we have to keep you in them.. there's a good boy..

Thanks Daddy, you're good to me.

I used to wear compression underlayer for playing Rugby. I found it stopped my back from aching and getting stiff which used to knacker my game (as a Prop forward my back was integral to my game!) not that my game was immense or anything. I can't really comment on this being the result of retained warmth or 'increased bloodflow' but it did feel lush, infact during the winter months I'm rarely to be found without compression/underlayer especially when cycling, that's when it comes into it's own. As a recovery aid I would say it does help, but again I always attributed it to keeping your muscles warm and I used said items 'during and after'.

It's also a great way to save on heating bills!

didn't realise you could wear compression clothing during exercise, thought it was just for recovery.

i knew a pro rugby player, all his team wore them for training and recovery

i have some for recovery, never too sure if its partially placebo but something works

wait, you're supposed to wear them while you're cycling as well?

I wear tights for recovery from long hard rides and when I'm doing multiday stuff, I think it helps. I was at a talk by some guy from SIS last year basically about nutrician but someone asked him about them. He was wearing some at the time for recovery and travelling but also said he wore them time trialing and gained 1 or 2 more watts.

Ask RPM. He's been experimenting with a compression skinsuit.

Compression clothing has shown an increase in venous return, which helps to remove lactic acid from the muscles post exercise, thus facilitating the recovery process, which alongside stretching, post exercise nutrition and adequate hydration, may offer some people results. I'm not sure I personally agree with the whole "fatigue reduction" statement though....

didn't realise you could wear compression clothing during exercise, thought it was just for recovery.

Lots of people ride with Skins/Skinz on. I think they do different stuff for recovery versus exercise but the jury is out as to whether or not any of it works.

@BMMF, not funny! (not much is funny right now as I'm stuck on the M4 going nowhere) I see some of the squad use the skins compression longs, which I want to get. I have seen cheaper but looking at them the seams need to be good as it's so tight on the skin.

Compression clothing has shown an increase in venous return, which helps to remove lactic acid from the muscles post exercise, thus facilitating the recovery process, which alongside stretching, post exercise nutrition and adequate hydration, may offer some people results. I'm not sure I personally agree with the whole "fatigue reduction" statement though....

Evidence?

"helps remove lactic acid"

Lactic acid is actually a fuel, not a caustic waste product. Muscles make it deliberately, producing it from glucose, and they burn it to obtain energy. The reason trained athletes can perform so hard and so long is because their intense training causes their muscles to adapt so they more readily and efficiently absorb lactic acid.
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/lactic-acid.html