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In our 2009 BC Strength Fitness and Conditioning Conference, Dr. Donald Chu gave a wonderful presentation of Recovery and Regeneration.
He gave an overview of the 3 main restorative means for Recovery and Regeneration.
- Physical (Passive and Active)
- Medical (Pharmacological, Psychiatric, Surgical, Nutritional)
- Psychological
One of the items he briefly mentioned was the rising use of compression shorts.
Our Bobsledders have been using these for years, and now we are seeing a rising trend in Track and field. Baseball have similar shorts, but those are primarily used for protection when sliding into bases.
Another added benefit of Compression Shorts is men do not have to wear an athletic supporter (i.e. jock strap) when wearing one of these specialty garments.
The obvious benefits of Compression shorts include providing protection against chafing and rashes, plus drawing away sweat from the body using a “wick effect”.
Compression shorts are often suggested to those who suffer from a form of back pain called sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs along the outer thigh and can be irritated during exercise. Many sufferers find relief from sciatic nerve pain while wearing compression shorts under their normal workout gear.
This research study goes back to 2003:
The aims of this study were to determine how custom-fit compression shorts affect athletic performance and to examine the mechanical properties of the shorts. Ten male and 10 female track athletes on a university’s nationally competitive track team, specializing in sprint or jump events, participated in the study. Testing utilized the compression shorts with loose-fitting gym shorts as the control garment. Several significant effects were revealed for the custom-fit compressive garment. Although 60 m sprint time was not affected, hip flexion angle was reduced. Skin temperature increased more and at a faster rate during a warm-up protocol. Muscle oscillation was decreased during vertical jump landing. Counter-movement vertical jump height increased when the participants were wearing the custom-fit compression garment. In materials testing, the elasticity of the compressive garment provides increased flexion and extension torque at the end range of extension and flexion, respectively, and may assist the hamstrings in controlling the leg at the end of the swing phase in sprinting. The compressive garment significantly reduced impact force by 27% compared with American football pants alone. Through various mechanisms, these findings may translate into an effect on athletic performance and a reduction in injuries.
Compression Shorts usually come in different functional levels. Our sponsor OnlineSports.com gives a quick summary explaining the 3 different products.
And remember, when washing these pricey items, be sure to use a good laundry detergent.
adidas TechFit Power Web Short Tight – Mens – Black
Take your training to a new level of performance with the adidas TECHFIT™ Powerweb Short Tight. TECHFIT™ Powerweb is adidas’ top level TECHFIT™ product. It improves body stability and posture, while reducing muscle vibration though high compression. In addition, strategically placed Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) power bands work to store and convert the energy of an athlete’s movement, which would normally be lost, into increased speed and power. Banding and compression improves body posture and reduces muscle vibration. Enhances efficiency and reduces energy loss. Converts athlete’s energy into increased speed and power. TECHFIT™ Powerweb has been proven to increase sprint speed, jump height, power generation and running economy. Research* results:1.1% faster (30m sprint), 5.3% increased power (maximum repetitive jump output), 4% higher (max jump height), 0.8% more efficient (improved running economy). *adidas TECHFIT™ Powerweb compared to conventional sportswear. Proven by research of the University of Calgary – Human Performance Lab and adidas Global Research. This compression short utilizes ClimaCool® construction which works to repel heat and sweat with the aid of ventilation channels and 3D fabrics that allow cool air to constantly flow in and out while moisture-dissipating material wicks sweat away from the skin. Stretch mesh inserts on the gusset and front of the legs add ventilation during extreme training. ForMotion® technology optimizes freedom of movement. The next level of performance is within reach with the adidas TECHFIT™ Powerweb Short Tight. 75% nylon/25% spandex. Imported.
The following items below may be discontinued or out of stock.
Coreshorts Sports Lite Compression Shorts
Retail Price $67.95 Click on image for latest SALE price
Coreshorts Sports Lite Compression Shorts
Designed to aid in the recovery of core injuries by providing anatomical and functional support of the ‘core’ area. Core support for lower abdominal, hernia/sports hernia, sacroiliac joint sprain, lumbo-sacral sprain, osteitis-pubis, adductor strain (groin), hip flexor/quadriceps strain, hip rotator strain, hamstring strain and hip ligament sprain. Core Activation System uses a series of diagonal elastics to produce an anatomically correct compression short creating tension for outward motion and rotation. Elastics cross from the hip to the opposite thigh on the front and back. Circumferential waist area provides pelvic compression. Tension for unidirectional and multidirectional movement. Stabilizes the pelvis and hip, and pubis joint. ‘X’ Core Activation System. 88% supplex, 12% Lycra 450 G/W (antibacterial quick dry wickering materials). Supports the pelvis, hip and groin areas. Allows maximum motion. Ideal for all ages and activity levels.
Coreshorts Sports Pro Compression Shorts
Retail Price $153.95 Click on image for latest SALE price
Coreshorts Sports Pro Compression Shorts
Designed to aid in the recovery of core injuries by providing anatomical and functional support of the ‘core’ area. Core support for lower abdominal, hernia/sports hernia, sacroiliac joint sprain, lumbo-sacral sprain, osteitis-pubis, adductor strain (groin), hip flexor/quadriceps strain, hip rotator strain, hamstring strain and hip ligament sprain. Core Activation System uses a series of diagonal elastics to produce an anatomically correct compression short creating tension for outward motion and rotation. Elastics cross from the hip to the opposite thigh on the front and back. Circumferential waist area provides pelvic compression. Tension for unidirectional and multidirectional movement. Stabilizes the pelvis and hip, and pubis joint. ‘X’ Core Activation System. 2-way stretch. Latex free, antibacterial, wickering 6′ elastic. Protection of the pelvis, hip and groin areas. Provides functional motion control. For serious athletes or those with active lifestyles.
Coreshorts Sports Rehab Compression Shorts
Retail Price $218.16 Click on image for latest SALE price
Coreshorts Sports Rehab Compression Shorts
Designed to aid in the recovery of core injuries by providing anatomical and functional support of the ‘core’ area. Core support for lower abdominal, hernia/sports hernia, sacroiliac joint sprain, lumbo-sacral sprain, osteitis-pubis, adductor strain (groin), hip flexor/quadriceps strain, hip rotator strain, hamstring strain and hip ligament sprain. Core Activation System uses a series of diagonal elastics to produce an anatomically correct compression short creating tension for outward motion and rotation. Elastics cross from the hip to the opposite thigh on the front and back. ‘X’ Core Activation System. 2-way stretch. Latex free, antibacterial, 6′ elastic body made of 6′ elastic for range of motion and sizing of the thigh. Complete support and motion control to aid in recovery of pelvic, hip and groin injuries. Recommended to assist as a part of a functional rehabilitation program.
Jimson Lee
Latest posts by Jimson Lee (see all)
I live in Canada and just bought a pair of Core Shorts Pro from Kinesiologists.ca. I’ve been wearing them for a couple weeks, mostly for hockey and I’m really liking them. I had a bit of a groin pull and I think they’re helping me recover faster. Anyway, if anyone’s interested you can buy them here: http://www.kinesiologists.ca/core-shorts.shtml
Does this really help to prevent sport hernias?