Lower leg compression sleeves: influence on running mechanics And economy in highly trained distance runners

Abstract

Athletes in a number of sports are using compression as a means to improve training, performance, and recovery. However, the efficacy of and mechanisms behind the use of lower leg compression as an ergogenic aid to improve running performance is unknown. Purpose: To examine whether or not wearing moderate lower leg compression sleeves during exercise evokes changes in running economy due to altered gait mechanics. Methods: Sixteen highly trained male distance runners completed two separate running economy (RE) tests during a single session, a treatment trial of calf compression sleeves and a control trial without compression sleeves. RE was determined by measuring oxygen consumption at three constant submaximal speeds of 233, 268, and 300 m.min-1 on a motorized treadmill. Variables related to running mechanics were measured during the last 30 seconds of each four-minute stage of the RE test via wireless tri-axial 10g accelerometer devices attached to the top of each shoe. Values of ground contact time, swing time, stride time, stride frequency (SF), and stride length (SL) were determined from accelerometric output corresponding to foot strike and toe-off events obtained from a minimum of 25 consecutive steps. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in submaximal VO2 between control and treatment trials at any of the speeds. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the slope of the lines relating submaximal VO2 and running speed between the two experimental conditions. There were no significant differences in ground contact time, swing time, stride time, stride frequency, and stride length between control and treatment conditions at any of the running speeds. However, there was a large inter-individual variability in response to compression, and three subjects exhibited large, iii consistent reductions in VO2 at each speed with compression treatment. These three subjects demonstrated the greatest decreases in SL and SF variability with compression. Conclusions: Wearing lower leg compression does not significantly change running mechanics or oxygen consumption while running at submaximal speeds. However, the individual metabolic and gait response to wearing lower leg compression varies greatly.