Compression garments and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a meta-analysis

Hill et al., 2014 | Br J Sports Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hill Jessica, Howatson Glyn, ... Pedlar Charles. Compression garments and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2014-Sep;48(18):1340-6. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092456

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of compression garments on recovery following damaging exercise. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using studies that evaluated the efficacy of compression garments on measures of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscular strength, muscular power and creatine kinase (CK). Studies were extracted from a literature search of online databases. Data were extracted from 12 studies, where variables were measured at baseline and at 24 or 48 or 72 h postexercise. Analysis of pooled data indicated that the use of compression garments had a moderate effect in reducing the severity of DOMS (Hedges' g=0.403, 95% CI 0.236 to 0.569, p<0.001), muscle strength (Hedges' g=0.462, 95% CI 0.221 to 0.703, p<0.001), muscle power (Hedges' g=0.487, 95% CI 0.267 to 0.707, p<0.001) and CK (Hedges' g=0.439, 95% CI 0.171 to 0.706, p<0.001). These results indicate that compression garments are effective in enhancing recovery from muscle damage.

Key Findings

These results indicate that compression garments are effective in enhancing recovery from muscle damage.

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Athletic Injuries
• Clothing
• Compression Bandages
• Exercise
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Muscle Strength
• Muscle, Skeletal

Evidence Classification

• Level: Meta Analysis
• Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
• Vertical: creatine

Provenance

• PMID: 23757486
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092456
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09