Comparison of three types of full-body compression garments on throwing and repeat-sprint performance in cricket players

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of three types of full-body compression garments (Skins, Adidas and Under Armour) on repeat-sprint and throwing performance in cricket players. Methods: Following familiarisation, 10 male cricket players performed four randomised exercise sessions (3 garments and a control). Each session involved a 30 min repeat-sprint exercise protocol comprising 20 m sprints every minute, separated by submaximal exercise. Throwing tests included a pre-exercise and a postexercise maximal distance test and accuracy throwing tests. During each session, measures of heart rate, skin temperature, change in body mass, rate of perceived exertion and perceived muscle soreness were recorded. Capillary blood samples were analysed before and after exercise for lactate, pH, O 2 saturation and O 2 partial pressure, and 24 h after exercise for creatine kinase (CK). Ratings of perceived muscle soreness were also obtained 24 h after exercise. Results: No significant differences (p.0.05) were evident in repeat-sprint performance (10 m, 20 m time or total submaximal distance covered) or throwing performance (maximum distance or accuracy). No significant differences (p.0.05) were observed in heart rate, body mass change or blood measures during exercise. Significant differences (p,0.05) were observed by way of higher mean skin temperature, lower 24 h postexercise CK values and lower 24 h postexercise ratings of muscle soreness when wearing compression garments. Analysis between respective brands of compression garments revealed no statistical differences (p.0.05). Conclusions: No benefit was noted when wearing compression garments for repeat-sprint or throwing performance; however, the use of the garments as a recovery tool, when worn after exercise, may be beneficial to reduce postexercise trauma and perceived muscle soreness.

Research Advancements in Humanoid Compression Garments in Sports

“…With the prospects of a broad market, compression garments will surely become an important issue in sportswear studies. However, the mechanism as to how compression garments promote sports performance remains uncertain and supportive results are still lacking [14].…”

“…The material used in producing garments can be divided into two kinds [7]: one is a synthetic fibre which contains polyurethane (most sports-related compression garments use this material); another is an elastic fabric which consists of polyamide and elastodiene (this material is mainly used to produce clinical-related compression garments). Good compression garments should provide compression, a comfort feeling, ensure a proper fit and stretch, absorb humidity and optimize skin contact -they should also be light and enduring [6,8,9]. With regard to these features, compression garments are called as "the second level of human skin" by researchers.…”

Effects of a whole body compression garment on recovery after a heavy resistance

“…One salient feature that coincided with the reduction in overall general soreness/pain perceptions was the improvement in the vitality ratings along with the lower fatigue ratings with the use of the whole body compression garments. Lower perceived soreness ratings have been a prominent finding for the use of compression garments during a recovery period after an exercise stress (7,9). The feelings of reduced fatigue and vitality may well have been because of the garment removal after 24 hours but might also reflect the gestalt of lower amounts of soft tissue damage as well.…”

Auswirkung von Kompressionsstrümpfen auf die Ausdauerleistung während eines submaximalen Laufbandtests

“…Dabei scheint es, dass auch die komprimierende Oberfläche der Bekleidung eine wichtige Rolle spielen könnte und dies in Zukunft vermehrt im Focus der Untersuchungen liegen könnte [6,9,10]. Zusammengefasst, zeigen andere Studien keine signifikanten Unterschiede in Sprint-, Sprung-, oder Wurfperformances [5,6,[10][11][12].…”

“…Zusammengefasst, zeigen andere Studien keine signifikanten Unterschiede in Sprint-, Sprung-, oder Wurfperformances [5,6,[10][11][12]. [6,9].…”