What is the effect of compression garments on a balance task in female athletes?

•Loose and well fitted CGs and their effect on a balance task was measured.•CGs may provide additional feedback during periods of reduced vision.•CGs may assist to improve balance in athletes.•CGs may be beneficial for injury management, rehabilitation and prevention.•Correct sizing of CGs is essential for its proper application.

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of long leg compression garments on the postural sway and balance ability of female athletes at a state sports institute.DesignA laboratory was set up to analyse kinetic and kinematic variables using a double blind, randomised controlled repeated measures cross over design.MethodParticipants were required to perform a single leg balance task for up to 60 s across six conditions; including eyes-open and eyes-closed while wearing conventional shorts (control), loose-fitted compression garment and well-fitted compression garments. Simultaneous measurements of ground reaction forces and full body joint kinematics were recorded. Postural stability was assessed by measuring the overall stabilisation time as well as the movement of the centre of pressure (CoP) and centre of mass (CoM) from baseline measures.ResultsDuring one leg stance, significantly greater postural stability (p < 0.01) was observed with eyes open vs eyes closed, irrespective of compression group. A significantly greater (p < 0.05) balance time was observed with eyes closed when wearing well-fitted compression garments compared to conventional shorts. Differences were not present with use of the loose-fitted garment. Additionally, a significant interaction effect between compression condition and vision was observed analysing the variation about the sway (swaySD) of the CoP and CoM data (p < 0.05). The interaction effect revealed greater variability of movement with eyes closed as participants' level of compression decreased. No significant differences were observed with eyes open.ConclusionsThe difficulties of postural stability while maintaining the single leg stance wearing conventional shorts were improved with use of the well-fitted compression garments (in the eyes-closed condition). Proper fitted compression garments may be beneficial for injury management and injury prevention.