Is there any science behind compression garments?

try googling 'graduated compression'

also maybe try the Dupont lycra website

Yes, because Dupont doesn't have an agenda there and probably is a completely unbiased source of information...

I don't have sources to cite, but from what I have heard (and from testimonials of those who use them), there is some benefit. If you're gonna do it, go for good ones. Zoot for example is priced well higher than other brands (cwx, sugoi, etc.) but the level of compression and the placing of the compression is much more thought out. You don't just want a tight sock or tights, it's better when more targeted.

I've been to a few websites on this issue and the best I can find is something like: "studies have shown" and then no reference at all to the actual "studies". Therefore, I conclude that its all just marketing baloney designed to separate you from your money. Forget it until science shows otherwise.

To date, there is no evidence that compression socks have a physiological effect. You will ALWAYS see statements on companies' websites claiming that studies show this and that. Which makes sense because they are selling a product.

Currently, Dr. Chapman at IU is running some tests on runners with the socks, and he has some preliminary data, but none of it has been published yet. I think he is seeing a difference in terms of running economy. It's tough to test the effect of compression socks, because for example, how do you quantify commpression? In other words it is tough to say that the same amount of "compression" (or pressure) is applied to each person that wears them (Different brands, different people have different size calves, etc.)...

Testing is being done though, and the anecdotal evidence seems sound. A lot of pro runners wear them now days and claim that the day after, say, a 10k race their legs feel less 'beat up.' If you have the money, try them out. Personally I wouldn't pay $30 for them though, until there is real data to suggest they are effective. Again, if you have the money and willing to pay it, go for it....could be all in your head but if it works it works.

It is not so much science as it is mathematics.

1 million athletes * $80 per piece of compression garments that don't do anything

= 80 million dollars

from the british journal of sports medicine

http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/41/7/409

Results: No significant differences (p>0.05) were evident in repeat-sprint performance (10 m, 20 m time or total submaximal distance covered) or throwing performance (maximum distance or accuracy). No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in heart rate, body mass change or blood measures during exercise. Significant differences (p``0.05) were observed by way of higher mean skin temperature, lower 24 h postexercise CK values and lower 24 h postexercise ratings of muscle soreness when wearing compression garments. Analysis between respective brands of compression garments revealed no statistical differences (p%%0.05).

Conclusions: No benefit was noted when wearing compression garments for repeat-sprint or throwing performance; however, the use of the garments as a recovery tool, when worn after exercise, may be beneficial to reduce postexercise trauma and perceived muscle soreness.

Yes, there have been studies conducted and published regarding the use of compression wear. If you can access PubMed you'll find examples such as:

from the Journal of Sports Sciences, August 2003 - "Evaluation of lower body compression garment" 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.

from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, May 2005 - "Influence of moderate prophylactic compression on sport performance." The present results support the use of moderate compression at and around the hip for the purpose of injury prevention.

here is a better link with full results and conclusions

http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/41/7/409.pdf