SPORTS

Compression Suits: Horses' New Look

It was only his second race after a year off from life-threatening injuries and infections. Tall, dark, muscular and handsome, Hay List strode with confidence off the track. His chiseled legs and torso were enveloped by a skintight bodysuit, turning heads with every step.
Hay List is a racehorse. And a few weeks ago, he returned to racing in a high-tech bodysuit designed by Australian company Hidez to help muscles recover after strenuous exercise. Horses from all over the world competing in the London 2012 Olympic Games will also be sporting the recovery suits during air travel to reduce stressful vibration and keep the skin cool. Horses will also wear them in the morning before workouts or competitions, and immediately after. The suits made a special runway debut in Melbourne, modeled by Hay List, conjuring images of ripped gym rats clad in Under Armour.
"No one has ever made an actual compression garment for animals before the Hidez recovery suit," says Matthew Spice, the suit's inventor. "We are stepping into other animals as we speak, and can only imagine where we can go with this technology."
Spice, a retired rugby player in New South Wales, was in the chimney cleaning business before launching the suits. At night, while he cleaned restaurant chimneys, longing for a visit from Mike Rowe, he would think, "How did I get stuck here, and where can I go from here?" Spice would return home late at night and fall asleep, dreaming of ideas for something new. He knew athletes who benefited from the technology, so why not animals?

"In all my years of developing this suit, I've noticed the horses love having it on," Spice says. "Horses that are half broken-in, young horses or old ones, they love it. I've never had a horse even try to bite it off, so that says a lot."
Compression technology is nothing new. Just browse through any sporting goods store, and you'll find compression socks, leggings, shirts and shorts. Compression clothing emerged in the medical field more than 60 years ago to improve circulation in patients with venous disorders like deep-vein thrombosis. In the 1980s, scientists began researching the same technology for athletes. The clothing is meant to increase blood flow and reduce swelling and lactate levels, which causes soreness.
The research on compression clothing helping muscle recovery is mixed. Some studies show it reduces soreness the day after 10k runs, and others showed less soreness using compression tights after sprint and jumping tests. But other research showed ice baths and rest were more effective than compression.

ThePostGame brings you the most interesting sports stories on the web.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to read them first!

Researchers have also looked at whether compression clothing can improve performance, but a 2010 study from the University of Indiana's Department of Kinesiology, says the clothing had little impact on distance running or vertical jumping performance.
"Consumers need to keep in mind that this is a business, and that they are trying to sell you their product," Nathan Eckert, one of the researchers, told ScienceDaily.

Like minimalist running shoes, it's a debate between the loyal converts and the skeptics. Jill Brenner, a runner and therapist in Austin, Texas, who specializes in therapy for distance athletes, wears compression tights and socks after long races, 12 miles or more. Her husband, a radiologist and IronMan competitor, uses them, too.
"I'm not sure how much it helps performance, but it feels good," Brenner says. "Still, it's up to your running coach or doctor to tell you whether they are a good idea."
The placebo effect, and mental security the compression clothing might give athletes, are both factors. Like a superstitious pitcher who can't throw without his lucky hat, If you feel more confident wearing compression socks, then you'll probably run faster or jump higher. Jay Turkbas is senior vice president of marketing and product development for Shock Doctor, a company specializing in protective gear for pro athletes, says he recognizes the scientific research is often conflicting, but still finds the products beneficial.

"I always wear the socks when I fly, especially international travel," Turkbas says. "I always feel better, and it keeps swelling down and blood flowing. Some people may say it's all in your head, but if it works for you, then it works."
The placebo effect certainly can't be happening with racehorses. His trainer, John McNair, has said there are obvious improvements to the horse's recovery time after runs and travel with the suit. A year after those debilitating injuries, he's known as the best male sprinter in the world. He'll race in front of the Queen of England at the Royal Ascot in July, where his Hadiz bodysuit might even steal the spotlight from the event's traditional dress code of rather gaudy headgear.
Either way, he'll be comfortable. As soon as the suits are all zipped up, Rice says the horses "totally relax, start chewing or urinating."
Good for the horses. Hopefully, human athletes aren't experiencing quite the same relaxation response when they suit up in compression gear

Reading sign Arsenal forward Benik Afobe on loan

Reading have signed England youth international Benik Afobe on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old forward can play up front or out wide and is available for Saturday's match against Blackpool.
Afobe came through the Arsenal academy and has had two spells on loan at League One Huddersfield Town.
Royals manager Brian McDermott said: "We're delighted to have Benik and with eight games to go he is a good addition to the squad."
Afobe, from London, scored eight times in 21 starts and 14 substitute appearances for Huddersfield and was also credited with ten assists.
Reading director of football Nick Hammond told Reading's club website:  "Afobe is highly thought of at Arsenal and is a talented and versatile young player who has appeared for England Under-19s."

Preston North End sign Chuks Aneke from Arsenal

Preston North End have signed Arsenal midfielder Chuks Aneke on loan until the end of the season.

The England Under-19 international has worked with North End boss Graham Westley already this season at League One rivals Stevenage.

Aneke, 18, has made one appearance for the Gunners and played six times for Stevenage, including the goalless draw with Preston in December.

He told the club website:  "I really enjoyed my time with the gaffer."

Swindon sign Jay McEveley and John Bostock on loan

Barnsley defender Jay McEveley and Tottenham midfielder John Bostock have joined Swindon Town on loan until the end of the season.

Scotland international McEveley, 26, spent three years with Derby County before joining Barnsley in 2010, where he has since played 49 games.
Bostock, 20, had been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday since January, where he made five appearances.
"To cut into a team that's doing this well is great," he told BBC Wiltshire.

Portsmouth sign Manchester City youngsters on loan

Portsmouth have signed two Manchester City youngsters on loan for a month, subject to Premier League clearance.

Forward Luca Scapuzzi and central defender Karim Rekik both come highly rated from Roberto Mancini's Premier League title chasers.
Rekik, 17, joined City in the summer after coming through the youth system at Feyenoord.
Scapuzzi, 20, joined City from Italian side Portogruaro last summer, signing a three-year deal.
Blues boss Michael Appleton said: "Karim can play at left-back or as a left-sided centre half. He's comfortable on the ball and has the right temperament to be at a club like Manchester City.
"Luca is a good footballer who can play out wide or up front. He's already got Football League experience having been on loan at Oldham.
"We've been aware of both of them for ages. I know [City assistant manager] Brian Kidd very well, while Stuart Gray is good friends with [City coach] David Platt."
Rekik skippered the Netherlands in the Under-17 World Cup in Mexico last summer. He has made two appearances for City, both in the League Cup.
The defender was an integral part of the Dutch side that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship last May.
A youth player with AC Milan, Scapuzzi has made two appearances for City and nine for Oldham, where he was on loan earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Scott Allan has extended his loan spell from West Brom for another 28 days.

Transfers - March 2012

The January transfer window closed for new permanent signings on 31 January.

Outside the transfer windows, any club may still sign players on an emergency basis (such as if they had no goalkeepers available) if they obtain special dispensation from their competition's governing body, such as the Premier League.

Football League sides can make loan signings from 8 February until 22 March.

Players who are out of contract and do not have a club, can be signed outside of the transfer window if they were unattached free agents when the previous window closed.

The transfer window does not apply to clubs below Blue Square Bet Premier level.

* Deal will go through on 1 July

* Deal will be made permanent for an undisclosed fee in the summer