Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of compression socks on maximal aerobic running performance and heart rate response. METHODS: Moderately fit college aged students (n=28) were recruited as subjects for the study. Each subject completed four exhaustive treadmill runs utilizing the McConnell Treadmill Protocol. Each phase included two testing sessions, 24 hours apart. Each phase was separated by a minimum of seven days to ensure proper recovery. The two phases included a control phase, and a compression phase. In the compression phase, subjects wore compression socks during the 24 hours separating trial one and two. The assignment of phases was determined by a randomized crossover design. During each treadmill test, time to exhaustion was recorded, as well as maximal heart rate achieved during the run and 20 minutes post run. RESULTS: Time to exhaustion was significantly higher (p = .012) in the compression phase in comparison to the control phase (15.82 min; 15.11 min, respectively). Maximal heart rate achieved during the treadmill run was significantly lower (p = .024) while wearing the compression socks compared to the control phase (189.65 BPM; 192.39 BPM, respectively). Heart rate measurement 20 minutes post run was significantly lower (p = .032) in the compression phase when compared to the control phase (99.89 BPM; 101.46 BPM, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Time to exhaustion was significantly improved while wearing compression socks, which indicated an improvement in fatigue resistance and enhanced running performance. Moreover, heart rate, both maximal and recovery (20 minute) was significantly lower while wearing compression socks, which indicated a reduction in cardiovascular stress. Compression socks have a positive effect on running performance and heart rate responses associated with maximal aerobic exercise for moderately fit college aged individuals. It is hypothesized that this change is brought about as the compression applied decreases venous pooling in the lower leg, assisting in venous return. The applied compression allows for a more efficient circulation path back to the heart, promoting increased clearance rates of muscle metabolites while also lowering the workload on the heart.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
