Influence Of Compression Garments On Physiological And Perceptual Responses During Intermittent Anaerobic Running And Recovery

Abstract

PURPOSE: Compression garments have gained recent prominence and promoted to be beneficial during exercise performance and recovery. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of compression garments on cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, metabolic and perceptual responses during intermittent anaerobic running and subsequent recovery. METHODS: Fifteen young, healthy adults volunteered for this study and provided written informed consent in line with institutional ethics approval. Participants completed three intermittent maximal anaerobic running power (MARP) tests while wearing, in a randomised order, no compression garments (CONTROL), a lower body compression garment (TIGHTS) or combined upper and lower body compression garments (SHIRT/TIGHTS). Heart rate (HR), core temperature (TC), lactate (La) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during the MARP tests and the subsequent active (10 mins) and passive (20 mins) recovery phases. Significant (p<0.05) differences over time and between garment conditions were determined by repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests. RESULTS: During the MARP test, HR increased similarly for each garment condition with maximal values of HR, TC, La, RPE and performance not significantly different between garment conditions. However, TC overall was significantly greater for SHIRT/TIGHTS compared with TIGHTS during the MARP while greater RPE was exhibited for TIGHTS compared to CONTROL during the early stages of the MARP. During recovery, HR, RPE and La decreased similarly for each garment condition. CONCLUSIONS: Compression garments significantly altered thermoregulatory and perceptual responses without significant changes in anaerobic performance or recovery responses following intermittent anaerobic running.