Stars don tights to beat clots on flight

By BILLY ADAMS in Sydney

That Elton John won't step onto a Concorde unless he is wearing a pair of close-fitting black tights raises few eyebrows.

But what about the same admission from a host of Macho sports stars?

"I've been wearing the skins for the last nine months," says all-conquering Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, who no longer gets on a plane without them. "They've made a huge difference."

Elton and Steve's shared passion is inspired only by the perceived health benefits.

They have embraced a pair of tights that are claimed to reduce the risk of "economy class syndrome" and jet lag on long flights.

Heightened public anxiety has followed a series of recent high-profile cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), an illness marked by blood clots which lodge in a victim's vital organs, causing death or injury.

Although no scientific link has been made, several studies are attempting to discover if DVT can be brought on by the reduced air pressure, prolonged lack of movement, and poorer blood circulation associated with long flights.

And the Australian makers of Jetskins have been quick to spot a potentially lucrative new market.

The patented tights were designed by physiotherapist Brad Duffy to reduce muscle soreness he suffered after a day's skiing.

They have also been used to aid elite sports people recover from injury.

Following the uproar over "economy-class syndrome", air travellers are now being targeted.

Unlike more traditional medical stockings, the makers say the lycra Jetskins are lighter, more comfortable and stretch from the hip to the ankle.

They improve circulation by pushing blood in smaller vessels back to the heart, helping to reduce swelling and dehydration which occurs in a pressurised aircraft, and contributes to jet lag.

The NSW Waratahs rugby union squad, professional rugby league teams and an Australian Rules Football team are among those who have worn the tights on flights.

At a media launch in Sydney, Steve Waugh offered his endorsement surrounded by six leggy models.

The cricket star suffered DVT after returning to Australia from last year's Ashes tour in England.

"I'm totally convinced they do reduce jet lag and its unpleasant side-effects," he said.

Interest in the A$125 ($148) tights zoomed after they featured on one of Australia's leading current affairs TV shows this week.

Unable to cope with the number of visitors, the official website crashed.

With no scientific research confirming the link between DVT and air travel, the makers stress the tights may help reduce the risks.

Dr Jeff Steinweg, a sports physician who is studying DVT on their behalf, has been impressed by anecdotal evidence.

"We have found that people with aching legs or problems with their legs when playing sport notice a substantial reduction in the pain when wearing this garment.

"I am pretty cynical by nature and like to see scientific evidence. However, I have had a number of independent sport people come up to me and say how fantastic it is. So I am looking ... to prove what people are saying."

nzherald.co.nz/health