Abstract
We determined the effects of wearing an above-knee compression garment (CG) on knee joint position sense. Healthy young adults (n = 24, age = 27.46 ± 4.65 years) performed a passive knee position-matching task on an isokinetic dynamometer with each leg separately. We determined the magnitude of compression by measuring anatomical thigh cross sectional area (CSA) in standing using magnetic resonance imaging. Wearing the CG compressed CSA by 2% (t = 2.91, p = 0.010, Cohen’s d = 0.68). Repeated measures ANOVA (rANOVA) with three repetition factors (condition: CG, no CG; leg: right dominant, left non-dominant; and target angles: 30°, 45°, 60°) revealed an effect of angles (p < 0.001), where the matching of knee joint position was more accurate at 60° compared to 30° and 45° (p < 0.001). However, CG did not reduce passive joint position sense errors. In fact, joint position error was less without CG (p = 0.014). In conclusion, while CG does compress the thigh it does not afford the purported benefits for proprioception as measured by a target-matching task in the present study.
Highlights
Proprioception is a sense of position and motion of limbs and contributes to joint stability [1,2,3,4]
The MRI data revealed that the garment reduced cross sectional area (CSA) by 3.2cm2 or 2% (CON: 187.5 ± 14.4cm2, EXP: 184.3 ± 13.9cm2, p = 0.010, Cohen’s d = 0.68)
We determined the effects of an above-knee compression garment (CG) on passive joint position sense in healthy adults’ knee joint and measured the magnitude of soft tissue compression produced by the garment using MRI
Summary
Proprioception is a sense of position and motion of limbs and contributes to joint stability [1,2,3,4]. Limb sleeves, and compression garments (CGs) increase joint stability and are believed to enhance joint position sense [5, 6]. These prophylactic devices have become popular among athletes to improve athletic performance, reduce risks for injuries, and facilitate recovery from injuries [7]. The favourable effects of soft tissue compression are not consistent because limb compression and ischemia, phenomena produced by CGs, reduced the discharge rate of Ia afferents and impaired joint position sense [10].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
