Design and Product Development

Design and Evaluation of a Novel Hamstring Compression Sleeve for Female NCAA Athletes: An Exploratory Study

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Abstract

Hamstring injuries and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) are prevalent among female NCAA athletes and can impair performance and increase reinjury risk. While compression sleeves and kinesio tape (KT) are commonly used for recovery, no existing designs integrate both approaches. This study investigated the user needs of female NCAA athletes for DOMS recovery and developed a novel hamstring compression sleeve (HCS) incorporating KT-inspired properties. Guided by a user-centered design framework, surveys from 36 athletes informed design criteria, leading to the development of six prototypes using spacer scuba knit fabric and silicone-based KT-mimicking strips. The HCS was evaluated by eight NCAA athletes across four field-testing sessions. Survey results showed high prevalence of hamstring DOMS and emphasized durability, light weight, and stretch as key design needs. While performance and soreness outcomes did not differ significantly between HCS and control legs, findings provide valuable design guidance and highlight the complexity of DOMS perception.

Keywords: female athlete, compression sleeve, functional design

How to Cite:

Gorea, A. & Megivern, S., (2025) “Design and Evaluation of a Novel Hamstring Compression Sleeve for Female NCAA Athletes: An Exploratory Study”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21818