Effectiveness of Compression Garments on Selected Physiological, Perceptual and Performance Measures While Traversing Austere Conditions at Altitude: A Pilot Study

Doug B Smith,Craig L Elder,Jay Dawes,Department Of Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Ql, Aus , ,Mitchel A Magrin,Robin M Orr

doi:10.17140/semoj-4-167

Abstract

Effectiveness of Compression Garments on Selected Physiological, Perceptual and Performance Measures While Traversing Austere Conditions at Altitude: A Pilot Study

Highlights

Compression garments (CGs) have traditionally and extensively been used in therapeutic medicine.[1,2] These garments have primarily been used with vascular patients as a means to reduce edema by improving venous return and peripheral circulation,[1,3] which may provide an ergogenic benefit within athletic populations.[4,5] The compression provided by CGs used in athletes generally ranges from 6 to 45 mmHg of pressure, and range from lower leg stockings to full body compression clothing
Significant improvement in vertical jump height and peak anaerobic power in watts (p=0.04), isometric strength (p=0.03), and post-exercise pain ratings at 48 (p=0.01) and 72 (p=0.038) hours post exercise were found under the CG condition
There were no differences in time to complete the runs in both conditions, the significant differences in the physiological measures suggests that the CGs may have an ergogenic effect when participating in trail running activities at a higher altitude

Summary

Introduction

Compression garments (CGs) have traditionally and extensively been used in therapeutic medicine.[1,2] These garments have primarily been used with vascular patients as a means to reduce edema by improving venous return and peripheral circulation,[1,3] which may provide an ergogenic benefit within athletic populations.[4,5] The compression provided by CGs used in athletes generally ranges from 6 to 45 mmHg of pressure, and range from lower leg stockings to full body compression clothing. Higgins et al,[6] found that competitive netballers wearing CGs were able to cover greater distances at faster speeds when compared to wearing their traditional netball garments (>20%), as well as when wearing placebo CGs (≥34%). The researchers speculated that the use of CGs may improve circulatory function during low-to-moderate intensity activity as well as reduce energy expenditure.[6] Scanlan et al.[7] examined the physiological effects of compression tights during endurance cycling. The results reported no improvement in time trial performance, but there was an increase in physiological efficiency.[7]. Compression garments (CGs) have increased in popularity within recreational and competitive athlete populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of CGs on physiological, performance, and perceptual measures while running on uneven terrain at higher altitude

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion