Abstract
PurposeWe sought to compare the effects of external pneumatic compression (EPC) and sham when used concurrently with resistance training on performance-related outcomes and molecular measures related to recovery.MethodsTwenty (N = 20) resistance-trained male participants (aged 21.6±2.4 years) were randomized to balanced sham or EPC intervention groups. The protocol consisted of 3 consecutive days of heavy, voluminous back squat exercise followed by EPC/sham treatment (Days2-4) and 3 consecutive days of recovery (Days5-7) with EPC/sham only on Days5-6. On Day1 (PRE), and Days3-7, venipuncture, flexibility and pressure-to-pain threshold (PPT) measures were performed. Vastsus lateralis muscle tissue was biopsied at PRE, 1-h post-EPC/sham treatment on Day2 (POST1) and 24-h post-EPC/sham treatment on Day7 (POST2). Isokinetic peak torque was assessed at PRE and POST2.ResultsPeak isokinetic strength did not change from PRE to POST2 in either group. The PPT was significantly lower on Days3-6 with sham, indicating greater muscle soreness, though this was largely abolished in the EPC group. A significant decrease in flexibility with sham was observed on Day3 (+16.2±4.6% knee joint angle; P<0.01) whereas there was no change with EPC (+2.8±3.8%; P>0.01). Vastus lateralis poly-ubiquitinated proteins significantly increased at the POST2 time point relative to PRE with sham (+66.6±24.6%; P<0.025) and were significantly greater (P<0.025) than those observed with EPC at the same time point (-18.6±8.5%). 4-hydroxynonenal values were significantly lower at POST2 relative to PRE with EPC (-16.2±5.6%; P<0.025) and were significantly lower (P<0.025) than those observed with sham at the same time point (+11.8±5.9%).ConclusionEPC mitigated a reduction in flexibility and PPT that occurred with sham. Moreover, EPC reduced select skeletal muscle oxidative stress and proteolysis markers during recovery from heavy resistance exercise.
Highlights
Lower limb compression has been utilized in order to enhance skeletal muscle adaptations and/or recovery from high-intensity exercise
The pressure-to-pain threshold (PPT) was significantly lower on Days3-6 with sham, indicating greater muscle soreness, though this was largely abolished in the external pneumatic compression (EPC) group
EPC mitigated a reduction in flexibility and PPT that occurred with sham
Summary
Lower limb compression has been utilized in order to enhance skeletal muscle adaptations and/or recovery from high-intensity exercise (i.e. recovery-adaptation). Compression garments have been shown to lower post-eccentric exercise CK levels, preserve range of motion in the elbow flexors, reduce perceived soreness and swelling, and promote force production recovery [2]. We have published a series of studies examining how moderate pressure EPC affects transcriptomic and signaling responses in skeletal muscle after one acute treatment [10, 11] and after seven consecutive days of treatment [12] in healthy persons. We have previously reported that seven consecutive days of moderate-pressure EPC increases the mRNA expression of genes related to skeletal muscle hypertrophy (i.e., MHY2, IGFBP5, MYOM1) and oxidative stress resilience (i.e., CAT, SUOX) [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
