Aerobic Energy Cost and Sensation Responses During Submaximal Running Exercise - Positive Effects of Wearing Compression Tights

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of wearing compression compared to classic elastic tights and conventional shorts (control trial) on oxygen cost and sensation responses during submaximal running exercise. In part I, aerobic energy cost was evaluated in six trained runners at 10, 12, 14, and 16 km x h(-1). In part II, the increase in energy cost over time (i. e., slow component expressed as difference in VO2 values between min 2 and end-exercise) was determined in six trained runners at a constant running pace corresponding to 80% of maximal VO2 for 15 min duration. All tests were performed on a 200-m indoor track with equivalent thermal stress conditions. VO2 was determined with a portable metabolic system (Cosmed K4b2, Rome, Italy) during all testing sessions. Runners were asked their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceptions for clothing sweating, comfort, and whole thermal sensations following each trial. Results showed in part I a significant lower energy cost only at 12 km x h(-1) by wearing compression and elastic tights compared to conventional shorts. During part II, wearing compression tights decreased significantly VO2 slow component by 26 and 36% compared to elastic tights and conventional shorts, respectively. There were no differences in sweating and comfort sensations, RPE, and for whole thermal sensation between clothing conditions in parts I and II. Wearing compression tights during running exercise may enhance overall circulation and decrease muscle oscillation to promote a lower energy expenditure at a given prolonged submaximal speed.

Changes in Tissue Oxygen Saturation with Well- and Tight-Fitted Compression Sleeves During an Incremental Exercise on Treadmill

“…But during walks at 4.3 km/h or runs at 10.1 km/h, Murthy et al (21) reported no change in leg intramuscular pressure with elastic leggings (~25 mmHg at the calf). These results seem to indicate that hemodynamic effects could also occur only at very low-intensity walks / runs (17,18,20). Finally Maton et al (17) showed an increase of leg intramuscular pressure with compression socks (~11 mmHg at the calf) at rest but also during isometric and concentric exercises (dorsal flexion of the ankle).…”

“…These mechanisms are also used by manufacturers to justify the use of compression garments during running and cycling activities. To date though, this statement seems to be more unclear with studies both support- ing (17)(18)(19) and refuting (19)(20)(21) hemodynamics effects during the effort. For example, Boucourt et al examined the changes in tissue oxygen saturation (StO 2 ) with calf compression sleeves (28 mmHg) during an incremental cycling exercise (3 min at each intensity -40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 W) (19).…”

Research Advancements in Humanoid Compression Garments in Sports

“…Some physiological research can explain this phenomenon: one showed that compression garments shortened the time that the muscle needed to reach its optimized temperature (38.5℃) [30]; at the mean time, they prevent the human thermal regulation system from getting over-heated and over-wet [31]. In addition, some studies on post-match recovery proved that compression garments can facilitate the elimination of muscle oxygenation and CK [32], alleviate DOMS [33], decrease the accumulation of the bloodʹs lactic acid [34,35] and, finally, accelerate the recovery process after high intensity exercise [36].…”

Auswirkung von Kompressionsstrümpfen auf die Ausdauerleistung während eines submaximalen Laufbandtests

“…Leistungssteigernde Effekte im Sinne von einer erhöhten Laufgeschwindigkeit bei der aeroben und anaeroben Schwelle, bei einem Stufentest auf dem Laufband, observierte Kemmler et al (2009) [3]. Ähnliche Ergebnisse präsentierte Bringard et al (2006) bezogen auf einen signifikant niederen aerobe Energieaufwand bei elastischen Kompressionshosen im Vergleich zu normalen Trainingshosen [8].…”