2XU Compression Apparel Research

RESEARCH+ STUDY RESULTS

Recent independent research performed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has revealed powerful benefits from wearing 2XU Compression. Conducted by the AIS Recovery Team, the study investigated the effects of 2XU‘s Compression Tights on performance and recovery. Carried out in state of the art AIS facilities, researchers put highly trained cyclists to the test across different key indicators including performance, heart rate, blood lactate, soreness and thigh girth.

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE LOWER HEART RATE In this study, 12 well-trained cyclists completed a VO2max test on a cycle ergo meter to establish each individual’s peak power output and VO2max. In subsequent testing trials, the cyclists completed a fixed work-rate cycling bout for 15min @ 70% VO2max, followed by a 15min time-trial. As per the graph, there was a significant improvement in time-trial performance from wearing the 2XU Compression Tights in comparison to normal cycling shorts. When 2XU Compression Tights were worn by cyclists, average power output increased by 4 watts.

LOWER HEART RATE In the same study, mean heart rate (bpm) was measured during the 15min fixed work rate section of the exercise test. The graph shows a significantly lower heart rate during the trials when 2XU Compression Tights were worn.

Heart rate (bpm) was also taken at 3 different points during the fixed work rate section of the test. As per the graph, a lower heart rate was recorded throughout the exercise bout while wearing 2XU Compression when compared to the control trial.

MAINTAIN PERFORMANCE BETWEEN BOUTS In this study, cyclists performed a 10min warm up followed by a 15min cycling bout @70% V02max, then a 15min time-trial. After a 5min warm down, the athletes had 1 hour passive recovery (either with or without wearing 2XU compression tights) and then repeated the process. The graph compares total work (kJ) in exercise bout 1 against exercise bout 2 and highlights less drop off in performance when wearing 2XU Compression in the 1 hour recovery period between bouts.

The above graph shows the percentage drop between the two exercise bouts. The athletes were able to maintain performance in the second exercise bout (-0.1%) better when wearing 2XU Compression during the recovery period. There was a larger drop (-1.79%) when 2XU Compression was not worn during the recovery period.

REDUCED BLOOD LACTATE Blood lactate was also measured over the course of the trial. The graph shows the percentage change in blood lactate over the 1 hour recovery period. There was a trend towards a greater clearance of blood lactate when 2XU Compression was worn for recovery.

REDUCES SWELLING

Thigh girth measurements (to indicate swelling) were also taken over the trial. The graph shows thigh girth measurements pre and post recovery period for both trials and indicates a significantly greater reduction in swelling when wearing 2XU Compression Tights during recovery.

REDUCTION OF PERCEIVED MUSCLE SORENESSS

In the same trials, perceived muscle soreness was taken throughout the session. The graph shows significantly less perceived muscle soreness when wearing 2XU Compression during the recovery period than when it was not worn.