Purpose: The aim was to identify benefits of compression garments used for recovery of exercised-induced muscle damage. Methods: Computer-based literature research was performed in September 2015 using four online databases: Medline (PubMed), Cochrane, WOS (Web Of Science) and Scopus. The analysis of risk of bias was completed in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with Hedges' g for continuous outcomes. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Systematic differences (heterogeneity) were assessed with I2 statistic. Results: Most results obtained had high heterogeneity, thus their interpretation should be careful. Our findings showed that creatine kinase (standard mean difference = - 0.02, 9 studies) was unaffected when using compression garments for recovery purposes. In contrast, blood lactate concentration was increased (standard mean difference = 0.98, 5 studies). Applying compression reduced lactate dehydrogenase (standard mean difference = - 0.52, 2 studies), muscle swelling (standard mean difference = - 0.73, 5 studies) and perceptual measurements (standard mean difference = - 0.43, 15 studies). Analyses of power (standard mean difference = 1.63, 5 studies) and strength (standard mean difference = 1.18, 8 studies) indicate faster recovery of muscle function after exercise. Conclusions: These results suggest that the application of compression clothing may aid in the recovery of exercise induced muscle damage, although the findings need corroboration.
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