Compression stockings are regularly seen in sports, such as professional soccer. They can be identified as essentially tight sleeves around a muscle group. For example, soccer players often wear them covering the calf muscles. Common myths about these stockings are that they are for warmth, for part of the uniform, or for style. However, unbeknownst to a spectator’s eyes, compression stockings can play a major role in enhancing performance. As Australian Professor Anthony Leicht from James Cook University explored, compression stockings can help reduce fatigue levels as well as prevent injury.
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Dr. Leicht studied the fatigue levels of female soccer players who wore compression stockings and those who wore regular socks. Both test and control players ran at least 10 kilometers per match, of which 2.5 kilometers were at sprinting speeds. Dr. Leicht discovered that compression stockings decreased calf muscle fatigue. He explained that fatigue levels decrease because the stockings increase blood circulation by applying pressure to the calves. With more blood circulation, the body’s red blood cells can deliver oxygen more efficiently and quickly to the leg muscles. Therefore, with a steady supply of oxygen to the muscles, an athlete could play longer with a reduced likelihood of injury. Despite 57% of soccer injuries being related to exhaustion, wearing compression stockings could reduce this risk. Players would benefit from fewer injuries in longer and more exciting games.
Soccer is an extremely demanding sport given the relentless running, change of direction, acceleration, and deceleration. However, compression stockings provide a way to combat that stress on the body by not only enhancing performance but also preventing injury. With stockings more useful than simply for warmth, it’s a no-brainer that all soccer players should give them a try.
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