Wear trials about comfort on sport compression socks

Abstract

Compression garments has emerged as an important tool in sport activity [1, 2]. In the particular case of compression socks (CS), several studies show that their use improves the fatigue recovery and prevents muscle injuries [3-6]. The aim of this research work is to perform the characterization of sports socks regarding their comfort and compression. Several parameters were monitored in volunteers during a running test. This test was performed in a non-inclined treadmill for 12 minutes at 12km/h. PicoPress equipment was used to recording the compression force; Thermodata sensors were used to monitor the temperature and humidity; Wrist pulse oximeter was used to measure the oxygen saturation and heart rate; and thermal imaging with a TESTO IR camera was used for thermal component evaluation. Wearing compression socks seem to return better conditions for comfort, muscle stability and muscle fatigue because the main conclusions of the test show that the volunteers feel better at muscle stability (MS) and no fatigue after 24 hours of running.