Calf Compression Sleeves Change Biomechanics but Not Performance and Physiological Responses in Trail Running

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether calf compression sleeves (CS) affects physiological and biomechanical parameters, exercise performance, and perceived sensations of muscle fatigue, pain and soreness during prolonged (~2 h 30 min) outdoor trail running.Methods: Fourteen healthy trained males took part in a randomized, cross-over study consisting in two identical 24-km trail running sessions (each including one bout of running at constant rate on moderately flat terrain, and one period of all-out running on hilly terrain) wearing either degressive CS (23 ± 2 mmHg) or control sleeves (CON, <4 mmHg). Running time, heart rate and muscle oxygenation of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (measured using portable near-infrared spectroscopy) were monitored continuously. Muscle functional capabilities (power, stiffness) were determined using 20 s of maximal hopping before and after both sessions. Running biomechanics (kinematics, vertical and leg stiffness) were determined at 12 km·h−1 at the beginning, during, and at the end of both sessions. Exercise-induced Achilles tendon pain and delayed onset calf muscles soreness (DOMS) were assessed using visual analog scales.Results: Muscle oxygenation increased significantly in CS compared to CON at baseline and immediately after exercise (p < 0.05), without any difference in deoxygenation kinetics during the run, and without any significant change in run times. Wearing CS was associated with (i) higher aerial time and leg stiffness in running at constant rate, (ii) with lower ground contact time, higher leg stiffness, and higher vertical stiffness in all-out running, and (iii) with lower ground contact time in hopping. Significant DOMS were induced in both CS and CON (>6 on a 10-cm scale) with no difference between conditions. However, Achilles tendon pain was significantly lower after the trial in CS than CON (p < 0.05).Discussion: Calf compression did not modify muscle oxygenation during ~2 h 30 of trail running but significantly changed running biomechanics and lower limb muscle functional capabilities toward a more dynamic behavior compared to control session. However, wearing compression sleeves did not affect performance and exercise-induced DOMS, while it minimized Achilles tendon pain immediately after running.

Acute and Delayed Neuromuscular Alterations Induced by Downhill Running in Trained Trail Runners: Beneficial Effects of High-Pressure Compression Garments

“…Indeed, perceived muscle soreness are known to increase in the hours following eccentric exercises and peak after 1–3 days ( Cheung et al, 2003 ). Otherwise, although significant decreased (or strong tendency) countermovement jump height were found after DHR, no difference in jump performance was identified between sessions, confirming previous results obtained after simulated trail running races ( Kerhervé et al, 2017 ; Vercruyssen et al, 2014 ). Considering these elements, MVC appears to be the most sensitive marker to assess acute effects of DHR on muscle damage ( Damas, 2016 ).…”

The profile of demographics, training habits, and health of recreational trail runners: a comparative study among different distances

“…the clothes suitable for trail running are quite basic, aiming to moderate body temperature and perspiration and to provide protection against the elements [16]. Among the major external strategies used during trail running is wearing compression garments, although there is no definite consensus about their effects [26] and no evidence on their physiological benefits in trail running at lower distances [27].…”

Reduced post‐exercise muscle microvascular perfusion with compression is offset by increased muscle oxygen extraction: Assessment by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound

“…Although NIRS is thought to only measure [Hb] in blood vessels <1 mm, 73 our current findings support the notion that NIRS-derived measures of microvascular blood flow are likely influenced by factors like heme distribution and/or skin and adipose tissue blood flow. 37 This is further supported by the lack of effect of lower-limb compression garments on NIRS-derived measures of blood flow following long-distance trail running, 15,16 whereby any potential effect may have been masked by the inability of NIRS to measure muscle microvascular perfusion. In the only study to use PET to investigate the effect of compression garments on muscle blood flow, compression shorts (high-level of compression of ~37 mm Hg) reduced quadriceps femoris blood flow by ~50% when measured 10 minutes after a high-intensity cycling session.…”

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Compression garments have previously been assessed as a potential method to augment exercise-induced increases in limb blood flow and/or skeletal muscle perfusion, with mixed results. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] This may be important considering the proposed role of limb blood flow in moderating muscle regeneration, 23 and exercise capacity in both healthy [24][25][26] and clinical populations that exhibit vascular dysfunction. [9][10][11][12][13] As such, compression-induced alterations in blood flow may be a potential strategy for improving exercise capacity and post-exercise recovery.…”

“…[9][10][11][12][13] However, the link between microvascular blood flow and exercise performance in recreationally active and healthy people is less clear, a likely consequence of the indirect methods used to estimate or measure muscle blood flow. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Compression garments have previously been assessed as a potential method to augment exercise-induced increases in limb blood flow and/or skeletal muscle perfusion, with mixed results. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] This may be important considering the proposed role of limb blood flow in moderating muscle regeneration, 23 and exercise capacity in both healthy [24][25][26] and clinical populations that exhibit vascular dysfunction.…”