A brief innovation overview of gradient garment technology from the certificate course, "Compression Technologies" by ISTA's Professional Sports Technology Institute

1. Gradient
Compression
Case Study
Terry, a High-Performance Director at a professional
soccer team, is required to improve athlete recovery
after games and high-load training sessions.
Player performance decreases after strenuous
activities when athletes are sore, and Terry knows
there is an increased risk of injury if they are not fully
recovered as well. This affects the team’s next
training session plans and possibly performance at
the next match.
Additionally, team management and club fans add
pressure to have the team at peak physical condition
for each and every game. Terry is dedicated to
keeping his players in top physical shape.

2. Problem
Terry’s performance staff are constrained by budgets, and they need a non-invasive low-cost
method to boost muscle recovery while addressing soreness. Terry knows that many athletes in
many sports wear compression garments, but he is unconvinced that compression does
anything to help. In addition, his performance team recognizes that because each player has
varying thigh, calf and ankle measurements, it is nearly impossible to find a solution that
correctly fits each athlete. They also believe that constraining soft tissue may even limit
recovery.
Terry’s performance team uses mechanical compression technologies but not all players
present with concerning data or soreness requiring the use of this type of finite resource, and it
is not always practical to use. Terry needs a wearable technology that fits all of his diverse
athletes that they can use during travel to the next match, which will maximize recovery and
thereby give his players an edge.
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3. Solution
A performance colleague points out that it is possible to custom-fit compression garments for
each athlete while applying a specific compression regimen as accurately as any medical
garment. His peers report an increase in recovery rates of 20%.
Terry determines that an easy non-invasive low cost solution is custom compression
leggings paired with individualized recovery plans. Terry provides access to the athletes for a
scanning visit to collect detailed data about each athlete’s body structure. Using a scanner
and software algorithm, each athlete’s sizing data is sent to a specialized weaving location
where custom garments are created.
The mmHg pressure for each custom garment varies from gradient to static and each
garment is designed for month(s) long recovery applications before reanalysis is required.
Medical literature supports that custom leggings are also useful to reduce deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) risk and reduce swelling in soft tissue while also helping muscle recovery.
A company that provides custom compression garments of this type is Cape Bionics.
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4. Cape Bionics
● Custom Made Compression Sleeves for Athletes
● Specific Pressure Regimes for Individuals, Based on Use:
 Performance
 Recovery
 Travel
 Rehabilitation
● Individually Sized via 3D Scan (data)
● FDA Class 1 Medical Device
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5. Product Uses
● Recovery - High Compression
● Performance - Medium Compression
● Rehabilitation - Strong graduated compression
● Travel - Low to moderate or high graduated
compression depending on duration
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6. Unique Features
 3D Body Scan Data
 Auto Tailor Weave Process
 Fast Turn Around
 Affordable For Teams
 Made of Durable Elastane
 Easy to Launder
 Built in Slip Resistance
 Labeled R & L
 Labeled Type of Sleeve 6