With the start of the AFL season just a few weeks away, we look into the benefits of CAPE custom fit compression for AFL players, and how players have been using CAPE garments over the past few seasons. We also hear what AFL High Performance Managers and coaches have to say about CAPE compression.
The importance of custom fit for AFL players
Within an AFL team, there are players of all different shapes and sizes. Ensuring each player receives the optimum level of compression requires the garments to be custom fitted to each individual player. Off the shelf compression garments are based purely on measures of height and body mass and therefore do not take into account individual differences in body shape. Consequently, off the shelf garments do not provide accurate fit and have considerable variability in the level of compression applied (Hill et al., 2015., Wannup et al., 2016). A number of AFL teams are now choosing CAPE custom fit compression garments to ensure their players receive accurate compression and optimal physiological benefit.
“The players are just completely different shapes and sizes, completely different girths, just absolutely so different! So I think that if we have the opportunity, we should absolutely be making tailored garments for them, it just makes so much sense” (Ian McKeown, former Head of High Performance at Port Adelaide FC).
“CAPE provide a medical-grade custom product with optimum wearing protocols and exemplary after sales support. CAPE has custom fit a number of our players with really positive results” (Simon Kearney, former Sports Science & Innovation Manager, St Kilda Football Club)
Benefits on recovery.
Following an AFL game, reductions in muscle function, increases in muscle damage, and increases in perceptions of fatigue and muscle soreness have been reported amongst players. Muscle soreness is reported to peak around 24-72 hours post competition, therefore strategies to reduce feelings of muscle soreness can enhance player recovery and readiness to train post game. Research has shown that compression garments worn during recovery may assist recovery of power, strength and endurance as well as muscle damage and feelings of muscle soreness (Brown et al., 2017, Hill et al., 2014).
“Our recovery is 20% faster, and it is the only compression we’ve found comfortable enough to wear during sleep” (Des O’Sullivan, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Essendon Football Club)
Travel
Often AFL teams will have to travel on the day of a game both before and after the game. Wearing compression garments on the outward journey can help players feel ready to perform when they arrive at the game. Teams are often required to travel immediately post game, which may limit the feasibility of other recovery strategies, therefore having custom fit compression garments can optimise recovery during travel.
“CAPE have provided an individualised approach to the way we educate our players on their recovery processes. CAPE’s custom fit technology has provided our players with specific compression and recovery sleeves to maximise their performance from the demands of travel and training” (Alex Rigby, High Performance Manager, Gold Coast Suns).
Why are teams choosing CAPE?
CAPE provide custom fit compression garments based on a 3D body scan of each player. Compression regimes are specific to purpose, with different garments for recovery, travel, performance and rehabilitation. Unlike fashion brands, Cape garments are medical grade compression garments classified as TGA Class 1 Medical Devices.
“CAPE’s custom fit provided our players with specific, medical grade compression that helped our players recover from the demands of both travel and training. The guys absolutely love them.” (Darren Burgess, High Performance Manager, Adelaide Crows, previously Melbourne Demons).
“CAPE made us re-think compression.” (Ashley Lynch, Rehabilitation Physiotherapist, Essendon Football Club)
CAPE have supported many AFL teams with medical grade custom fit compression garments, including Port Adelaide Football Club, Essendon Football Club, St Kilda Football Club, the Gold Coast Suns, and the 2021 AFL Grand Final Champions Melbourne Football Club. CAPE also supports athletes and teams in the A-league, NFL, MLS, NBA, NHL, Rugby Union, QAS, Paddle Australia, Cycling Australia and many others.
REFERENCES:
- Brown, F., Gissane, C., Howatson, G., van Someren, K., Pedlar, C., & Hill, J. (2017). Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 47, 2245-2267.
- Hill, J., Howatson, G., van Someren, K., Leeder, J., & Pedlar, C. (2014). Compression garments and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med, 48, 1340-1346.
- Hill, J., Howatson, G., Someren, K., Davidson, S., & Pedlar, C. (2015). The variation in pressures exerted by commercially available compression garments. Sports Engineering (Springer Science & Business Media B.V.), 18, 115-121.
- Wannop JW, Worobets JT, Madden R, Stefanyshyn DJ. (2016) Influence of Compression and Stiffness Apparel on Vertical Jump Performance. J Strength Cond Res. 30(4):1093-101.
