Background Interventions targeting proprioception are vital for injury prevention, especially in aging populations where compromised proprioception increases injury risks. Compression garments (CGs) are used in rehabilitation and sports for performance enhancement and quicker recovery. However, the overall impact of CGs on joint proprioception lacks consensus.
Objective A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the impact of CGs on joint proprioception.
Programme Description Following PRISMA guidelines, six databases were examined until June 2023. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised the articles. A random-effect meta-analysis evaluated CG efficacy on joint position sense, threshold to detect passive motion, and active movement extent discrimination. Subgroup analyses considered study design and population health status, with sensitivity analyses ensuring result robustness.
Outcomes and Learnings A total of 27 studies with 671 participants were included in the systematic review. The analysis revealed that wearing CGs resulted in a significant reduction in absolute error during joint position sense (p=0.006) as compared to no CGs. However, other variables like constant error, variable error during joint position sense, threshold to detect passive motion, and active movement extent discrimination did not show significant CG impact. The review also identified gaps in the reporting of certain outcomes such as parameters of CGs (i.e., exerted pressure, fabric details), reporting of performance, individual-reported outcomes, and lack of placebo comparators.
Implications Clinicians may consider using CGs with patients, especially older adults, to improve proprioception and reduce the risk of injury. However, due to the variable effects of CGs, it is important to tailor their use to individual needs and specific proprioceptive outcomes.
Conclusions The study indicates that CGs benefit joint position sense. However, variations in impact underscore the need for caution. Standardized reporting is crucial, and clinicians can consider CGs for specific proprioceptive outcomes based on individual factors, informing evidence-based practices in rehabilitation and sports. The complete findings of this study have been published.1
Reference Ghai S, Nilson F, Gustavsson J, Ghai I. Influence of compression garments on proprioception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2024;1536:60–81.