Lower Body Compression Research Articles

Effective method of pedicle screw fixation in patients with neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures: a systematic review of studies published over the last 20 years

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of studies on various posterior pedicle screw fixation (PSF) methods used for treating neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures and to identify the most effective and safe approaches. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with the study registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024531093). The inclusion criteria were: (1) publication dates from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2023; (2) availability of full-text articles in English; (3) thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficits; (4) patients aged over 18; (5) reports on treatment outcomes or complications; (6) a mean follow-up period of at least 12 months. ResultsA total of 69 articles covering 116 patient groups were included. Our analysis highlighted the advantages of short-segment fixation without fusion over monosegmental, short-segment and long-segment fusion in terms of shorter operation times and reduced intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Extensive fusion was associated with a significantly higher frequency of deep surgical site infections compared to other PSF methods (p = 0.043). Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, applied to patients with lower body compression rates and kyphotic deformities, led to less potential for correction (p = 0.004), yet significantly decreased blood loss (p = 0.011), operation duration (p < 0.0001), and hospitalization duration (p < 0.0001). No significant benefits were observed with the use of additional intermediate screws in short-segment PSF. ConclusionsShort-segment pedicle screw fixation could be the optimal surgical treatment method for neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures. The use of posterior lateral fusion in this context may increase the deep surgical site infection rate without reducing the frequency of implant-related complications or improving long-term treatment outcomes. The percutaneous approach remains the preferred technique; however, its limited reduction capabilities should be carefully considered during surgical planning for patients with severe kyphotic deformities. The application of intermediate screws in such patients has not demonstrated significant advantages. Removing the fixation system has not led to a significant decrease in implant-related complications or improvement in quality of life. The data obtained from the systematic review may assist surgeons in selecting the most appropriate surgical treatment method for patients with neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures, thereby avoiding ineffective procedures and improving both short-term and long-term outcomes.

The Effect of Lower Body Compression Tights on the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test in Young Male Basketball Players

This study aims to assess the influence of lower body compression tights on performance in the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) in young male basketball players. Twenty male basketball players participated in the study (age = 16.5±0.5 years, height = 176.8±5.71 cm, weight = 68.5±8.98 kg, basketball experience = 2.35±0.49 years). Players performed the RAST, comprising 6 x 35 m sprints with 10-second intervals, wearing regular shorts or compression tights, with a one-week interval between conditions. Before each test, a 24-hour dietary record was used to calculate the total calorie intake and the percentage of calories from carbohydrates to account for dietary variations. The Hooper Index was used to assess fatigue levels before each test. The RAST, conducted using a Newtest Powertimer photocell (300 Series, Oulu, Finland), determined maximal power (Pmax), minimum power (Pmin), average power (AP), and fatigue index (FI). Perceived exertion after each RAST was assessed using the Borg Scale (20-point system). Paired-samples ttest results showed no statistically significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between the means from the two test sessions. The study suggests that lower body compression tights did not significantly impact RAST performance in young basketball players. Considering the study design, applying it to more experienced players after familiarization sessions with compression tights may yield different results.

Effective method of pedicle screw fixation in patients with neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures: a systematic review of studies published over the last 20 years

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of studies on various posterior pedicle screw fixation (PSF) methods used for treating neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures and to identify the most effective and safe approaches. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with the study registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024531093). The inclusion criteria were: (1) publication dates from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2023; (2) availability of full-text articles in English; (3) thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficits; (4) patients aged over 18; (5) reports on treatment outcomes or complications; (6) a mean follow-up period of at least 12 months. ResultsA total of 69 articles covering 116 patient groups were included. Our analysis highlighted the advantages of short-segment fixation without fusion over monosegmental, short-segment and long-segment fusion in terms of shorter operation times and reduced intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Extensive fusion was associated with a significantly higher frequency of deep surgical site infections compared to other PSF methods (p = 0.043). Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, applied to patients with lower body compression rates and kyphotic deformities, led to less potential for correction (p = 0.004), yet significantly decreased blood loss (p = 0.011), operation duration (p < 0.0001), and hospitalization duration (p < 0.0001). No significant benefits were observed with the use of additional intermediate screws in short-segment PSF. ConclusionsShort-segment pedicle screw fixation could be the optimal surgical treatment method for neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures. The use of posterior lateral fusion in this context may increase the deep surgical site infection rate without reducing the frequency of implant-related complications or improving long-term treatment outcomes. The percutaneous approach remains the preferred technique; however, its limited reduction capabilities should be carefully considered during surgical planning for patients with severe kyphotic deformities. The application of intermediate screws in such patients has not demonstrated significant advantages. Removing the fixation system has not led to a significant decrease in implant-related complications or improvement in quality of life. The data obtained from the systematic review may assist surgeons in selecting the most appropriate surgical treatment method for patients with neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures, thereby avoiding ineffective procedures and improving both short-term and long-term outcomes.

Compression Sportswear Improves Speed, Endurance, and Functional Motor Performances: A Meta-Analysis

Compression sportswear is widely used for enhancing exercise performances, facilitating recovery, and preventing injuries. Despite prior findings that confirmed positive effects on physical recovery after exercises, whether compression sportswear can enhance exercise performances has not been determined. Thus, this systematic meta-analysis examined the effects of compression sportswear on exercise performances including speed, endurance, strength and power, functional motor performance, and sport-related performance. We calculated effect sizes by comparing changes in exercise performances between the compression garment and the control group. Two additional moderator variable analyses determined whether altered exercise performances were different based on the types of participants and compression sportswear. For the total 769 participants from 42 included studies, the random-effect model found that compression sportswear significantly improved speed, endurance, and functional motor performances. Additional moderator variable analyses identified significant positive effects on speed for athletes, and endurance and functional motor performance for moderately trained adults. Further, whole-body compression garments were beneficial for improving speed, and lower-body compression garments effectively advanced endurance performances. For functional motor performances, both upper- and lower-body suits were effective. These findings suggest that wearing compression sportswear may be a viable strategy to enhance overall exercise performances.

The influence of compression garments on recovery during a triathlon training camp: a pilot study

Triathletes often schedule intense training camps into their program to promote functional overreaching, although these periods pose a greater risk of illness or injury due to heightened training load. To mitigate this risk, triathletes may implement recovery strategies such as the use of compression garments. However, little is known about the influence of such garments during multi-day exercise periods. Ten highly-trained triathletes (6 male, 4 female, mean ± SD age; 32 ± 8 y) completed a six-day intensive training block and were randomly assigned to one of two recovery groups; donning lower body compression tights (COMP, n = 5) for at least 6 hours following the last training session each day, or no compression (CON, n = 5). Physical performance data (6s sprint, 30s sprint, 4-minute mean power cycling tests) was collected on Day 1 and Day 6 of the training camp and subjective wellbeing monitoring was completed daily. There were no significant group x time interactions for any of the performance or perceptual measures (p &gt; 0.05). However, a large (d = -1.35) reduction in perceived stress was observed from Day 1 to Day 5 in COMP compared to CON; and perceived muscle soreness was associated with significant main effects for group (p = 0.047) and time (p = 0.02), with COMP lower than CON on Day 4 and Day 6. Lower-body compression garments may reduce perceived stress and muscle soreness during an intense six-day triathlon training camp, with minimal influence on physical performance.

Graded Compression Garments Worn During Resistance Exercise: Impact on Muscle Damage, Fatigue, and Oxygenation in Untrained Individuals

Background: Use of compression garments during and after exercise has gained notable popularity, yet their utility in augmenting performance and recovery from resistance exercise remains elusive. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of wearing compression garments during resistance exercise on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), muscle fatigue and muscle oxygenation. Methods: Ten healthy, untrained individuals (8 females, 2 males, 22.10 ± 2.23 years, 159.09 ± 3.47 cm, 66.22 ±15.93 kg; mean ± SD) performed two exercise trials in a randomized crossover (within-subject) design: 1) with compression garments worn on the legs and 2) without compression. Exercise trials were randomized and separated by seven days. Participants performed 12 sets of 10 maximal repetitions of knee extension, at a velocity of 120 degrees per second, in the CON/ECC mode of a HUMAC NORM isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle oxygenation of the vastus medialis oblique was assessed using time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy (TRS-21, Hamamatsu). Leg circumference, ratings of perceived muscle soreness (RPMS) and blood samples for creatine kinase (CK) were collected before, immediately after, and 24, 48 and 72 hours after exercise. Results: Total hemoglobin (p = 0.021) and deoxyhemoglobin (p 0.001) were significantly reduced by 8.6% and 9.2% respectively with compression compared to control. No significant differences were found in oxyhemoglobin, oxygen saturation, muscle fatigue, leg circumference, RPMS and CK (p = 0.0791) between conditions. Conclusions: Although lower body compression worn during resistance exercise reduced total hemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, there was no impact on muscle fatigue, RPMS, leg circumference or CK.

Under Pressure: The Chronic Effects of Lower-Body Compression Garment Use during a 6-Week Military Training Course.

Background: Previous studies have shown that compression garments may aid recovery in acute settings; however, less is known about the long-term use of compression garments (CG) for recovery. This study aimed to assess the influence of wearing CG on changes in physical performance, subjective soreness, and sleep quality over 6 weeks of military training. Methods: Fifty-five officer-trainees aged 24 ± 6 y from the New Zealand Defence Force participated in the current study. Twenty-seven participants wore CG every evening for 4–6 h, and twenty-eight wore standard military attire (CON) over a 6-week period. Subjective questionnaires (soreness and sleep quality) were completed weekly, and 2.4 km run time-trial, maximum press-ups, and curl-ups were tested before and after the 6 weeks of military training. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant group × time interactions for performance measures (p > 0.05). However, there were small effects in favour of CG over CON for improvements in 2.4 km run times (d = −0.24) and press-ups (d = 0.36), respectively. Subjective soreness also resulted in no significant group × time interaction but displayed small to moderate effects for reduced soreness in favour of CG. Conclusions: Though not statistically significant, CG provided small to moderate benefits to muscle-soreness and small benefits to aspects of physical-performance over a 6-week military training regime.

The effects of lower body compression on left ventricular rotational mechanics in lymphoedema (from the MAGYAR-Path Study).

AimsLower body half compression of bilateral secondary leg lymphoedema (LE) without relevant cardiac insufficiency gives rise to whether external leg compression may influence left ventricular (LV) function. Patients with LE were subjected to baseline two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) for general assessment then three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) before and 1 h after lower body half external compression for LV torsion analysis.Methods and resultsBaseline 2DTTE was performed in the cohort of 25 LE patients, and the results were compared with those of age‐ and gender‐matched 52 healthy controls (mean age: 47.8 ± 12.8 vs. 40.7 ± 14.0 years, 24 women/1 man vs. 49 women/3 men, respectively). 3DSTE was conducted for the assessment of LV rotational mechanics where apical (AR), and basal rotations (BR) were measured before and 1 h after the use of compression class 2 (ccl 2) flat‐knitted medical compression pantyhoses (pressure range: 23–32 mmHg). 2DTTE showed significantly larger LV end‐diastolic volume and ejection fraction among LE patients compared with control subjects (108.3 ± 20.1 vs. 98.5 ± 21.7 mL, 69.8 ± 4.8 vs. 65.5 ± 4.3%, respectively) and notably smaller LV end‐systolic diameter and posterior wall thickness (28.9 ± 3.5 vs. 31.2 ± 3.4 mm, 8.1 ± 1.0 vs. 9.0 ± 1.7 mm, respectively). The results of 20 patients with LE were considered in 3DSTE examinations due to the drop‐out of five probands with technical failures. The data of four LE patients showing significant LV rotational abnormalities were managed separately, and the rotational parameters of the remaining sixteen patients did not differ significantly from those of matched controls except significant reduction of LV BR following the application of medical compression stockings (MCS) (−2.70 ± 1.26 degrees after 1 h use of pantyhose in patient group vs. −4.28 ± 2.18 degrees of the control group; P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe application of compression pantyhoses moderately but significantly decreased LV BR without a remarkable impact on twisting mechanism in LE patients in the absence of LV rotational abnormalities.

Compression Garment Reduces Orthostatic Tachycardia and Symptoms in Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

BackgroundPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic form of orthostatic intolerance associated with a significant symptom burden. Compression garments are a frequently prescribed treatment, but the effectiveness of waist-high compression has not been evaluated in adults with POTS. ObjectivesThis study evaluated compression garments as a treatment for POTS using a head-up tilt test (HUT), and a noninflatable core and lower body compression garment. MethodsThirty participants completed 10-min HUT with each of 4 compression conditions in a randomized crossover design. The conditions were no compression (NONE), lower leg compression (LEG), abdominal/thigh compression (ABDO), and full abdominal/leg compression (FULL). Heart rate, beat-to-beat blood pressure, and Vanderbilt Orthostatic Symptom Score ratings were measured during each HUT. ResultsThe compression garment reduced heart rate (NONE: 109 ± 19 beats/min; LEG: 103 ± 16 beats/min; ABDO: 97 ± 15 beats/min; FULL: 92 ± 14 beats/min; p < 0.001) and improved symptoms (p < 0.001) during HUT in a dose-dependent manner. During HUT, stroke volume and systolic blood pressure were better maintained with FULL and ABDO compression compared with LEG and NONE compression. ConclusionsAbdominal and lower body compression reduced heart rate and improved symptoms during HUT in adult patients with POTS. These effects were driven by improved stroke volume with compression. Abdominal compression alone might also provide a clinical benefit if full lower body compression is not well tolerated. (Hemodynamic Effects of Compression in POTS; NCT03484273)

The use of lower-body compression garments during high-intensity exercise performance in basketball athletes

The use of lower-body compression garments during high-intensity exercise performance in basketball athletes

The Effect of Compression Garments on Performance in Elite Winter Biathletes.

To evaluate the effects of wearing upper- and lower-body compression garments on cross-country skiing performance in elite winter biathletes. A total of 7 senior biathletes (4 men and 3 women) from the Swedish national team performed 2 exercise trials in a randomized and counterbalanced order, wearing either commercially available upper- and lower-body compression garments (COMP) or a standard winter-biathlon racing suit (CON). In each trial, the athletes roller-skied on a customized treadmill, completing a time trial simulating the skiing duration of a biathlon sprint race, followed by a time-to-exhaustion test designed to elicit exhaustion within ∼60 to 90 seconds. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, thermal sensation, and thermal comfort were monitored throughout each trial, while muscle soreness was measured up to 48hours after each trial. Pressure exerted by the clothing was significantly higher at all anatomical sites for COMP compared with CON (P ≤ .002). Wearing COMP led to small positive effects on time-trial (d = 0.31) and time-to-exhaustion test (d = 0.31) performances compared with CON, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > .05). No significant differences were found for any physiological (heart rate or blood lactate concentration) or subjective (rating of perceived exertion, thermal sensation, thermal comfort, or muscle soreness) responses between COMP and CON (P > .05). Wearing COMP during maximal cross-country skiing may have small but worthwhile beneficial effects on performance for some individuals. Due to individual variation, athletes are advised to test COMP prior to competition.

Effect Of Wearing Lower-body Compression Garments During Prolonged Running On Substrate Oxidation And Running Kinematics

Lower body compression garments (CG) have been suggested previously to provide favorable effects during running. One of explanation for the benefits of wearing CG might be explained by augmented arterial blood flow by external pressure applied. Enhanced muscle perfusion can increase oxygen delivery to exercising muscle, thereby affecting oxygen uptake and substrate oxidation. Furthermore, wearing CG might assist the propulsive force by optimizing running kinematics as a result of the elastic nature of the garment, leading to less metabolic cost of running at a given speed. These insights may be advantageous in situation with prolonged running, which is required large metabolic demand under development of fatigue. However, little information is available for effect of wearing CG during prolonged running (> 1h) on energy metabolism and running kinematics. PURPOSE: To determine influence of wearing CG on energy metabolism and running kinematics during prolonged running. METHODS: Eight physical active male (24 ± 2 yrs, 168.4 ± 5.0 cm, 63.9 ± 5.0 kg, VO2max; 54.8 ± 4.3 mL·kg-1·min-1) completed 2 exercise trial in the different days. The exercise consisted of 120 min of uphill running (7% gradient) at 60 % of VO2max (6.8 ± 0.6 km·h-1). The exercise trials included 1) wearing CG with exerting 15 mmHg [CG]; and 2) wearing garment with exerting below 5 mmHg [CON] to thigh and calf. Respiratory gas variables (carbohydrate oxidation) and running kinematics (step length and frequency, ground-contact time, flight time, joint angles) were assessed every 30 min of exercise. Blood samples were collected to determine blood glucose and lactate, and plasma IL-6 as indication of carbohydrate metabolism. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Time course of changes in carbohydrate oxidation, running kinematics and blood glucose and lactate did not differ between the two trials (P > 0.05). Area under the curve (AUC) of plasma IL-6 concentration for 120 min of exercise tended to be lower in the CG trial (803 ± 452 pg·mL-1) compared with in the CON trial (1,219 ± 842 pg·mL-1, P = 0.07). A positive relationship was observed between the AUC of plasma IL-6 concentration and the total carbohydrate oxidation (r = 0.5, P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Wearing CG did not alter energy metabolism and running kinematics during prolonged running.

Influence of lower body compression garments on cardiovascular autonomic responses prior to, during and following submaximal cycling exercise.

The aim of the current study was to examine the impact of lower body compression garments (CG) on cardiac autonomic control of heart rate (HR) prior to, during and following submaximal exercise. Thirty (15 males, 15 females) healthy, active adults undertook consecutive 10-min stages of supine rest, moderate-intensity upright cycling and supine recovery while wearing either normal clothing (CONTROL) or normal clothing plus CG tights in a randomised order. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed every minute while cardiovascular autonomic responses were assessed during the final 5min of each stage via HR variability (HRV). The change in HR at 1-min (HRR1) and 2-min (HRR2) post-exercise and the time constant of HR recovery (HRtau) were assessed as indices of cardiac autonomic reactivation. Differences between variables were assessed via repeated measures ANOVA and corrected pairwise comparisons. Compared to rest, exercise resulted in a reduction of HRV that was similar for CONTROL and CG. A main effect for condition was identified for one non-linear, long-term HRV variable only with a significantly lower value (61.4 ± 47.8 vs. 67.1 ± 50.2ms, p < 0.05) for CG compared to CONTROL. Cardiac autonomic reactivation (HRR1, 42.0 ± 16.8 vs. 45.5 ± 13.4bpm; HRR2, 58.9 ± 10.5 vs. 58.9 ± 8.2bpm; HRtau, 63.4 ± 22.3 vs. 65.1 ± 23.0s, p > 0.05) was comparable for CONTROL and CG. Lower body CG failed to alter most cardiac autonomic responses during rest, moderate-intensity exercise or recovery. Mechanisms for potential ergogenic benefits of CG remain to be characterised.

Lower-body compression garments worn following exercise improves perceived recovery but not subsequent performance in basketball athletes

ABSTRACTThis study examined the effects of lower-body compression garments on perceived recovery and subsequent performance in basketball athletes. In a parallel-group design, 30 recreational, male basketball athletes were randomly allocated to either a control (CON, n = 15, loose-fitting clothing) or experimental group (COMP, n = 15, compression garments) for 15 h following fatigue-inducing, basketball-specific exercise in the evening (1600-1800 h). Perceptual measures of fatigue and muscle soreness, as well as physical performance tests (sprints, jumps and agility), were performed pre-exercise, post-exercise, and post-recovery (15 h following exercise). Subjective and objective measures of sleep were recorded following the exercise trial. There were non-significant (p > 0.05), unclear-trivial differences between groups for all performance measures. Perceived post-recovery fatigue (d = −1.27, large) and muscle soreness (d = −1.61, large) were significantly lower in COMP compared to CON (p < 0.05). COMP exhibited better perceived sleep quality (d = 0.42, small, p = 0.18) than CON, with an unclear difference in sleep duration between groups (p > 0.05). Wearing lower-body compression garments overnight improved perceived fatigue and muscle soreness, but had negligible effects on subsequent physical performance in basketball athletes. Future research should focus on longer periods of compression wear following fatiguing exercise.

Hemodynamic response to non-pneumatic anti-shock compression garments in patients with renal dysfunction

BackgroundPatients with chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Chronic exposure to intermittent hemodialysis may be a source of added stress to the cardiovascular system; intradialytic hypotension is a common complication of hemodialysis, and repeated events may lead to hemodynamic stress and ischemic injuries. Administration of non-pneumatic compression stockings to the lower limbs has demonstrated hemodynamic stabilizing effects in other settings and may provide similar benefits in the kidney disease population. Therefore, we conducted this pilot study assessing the feasibility and tolerability of the application of non-pneumatic compression stockings to patients with kidney disease. We also assessed the changes in hemodynamic measurements following the application of the compression stockings to explore the biological feasibility of this being an effective intervention for intradialytic hypotension.MethodsFifteen individuals were enrolled in the study (5 healthy, 5 chronic kidney disease patients, and 5 dialysis patients). Outcomes including hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, and blood pressure were measured using continuous pulse wave analysis. Changes in global longitudinal strain were measured via echocardiography. These outcome measurements were made before and after the application of compression stockings.ResultsAll study participants tolerated the compression garments well and without complication. Hemodynamic response to lower body compression caused varying effects on cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and global longitudinal strain. Some individuals saw large improvements in hemodynamic parameters while in others the opposite effect was observed. No consistent response was elicited.ConclusionsApplication of compression stockings to patients with renal dysfunction is well-tolerated. However, significant variations in hemodynamic outcomes exist, and may be a barrier for larger scale trials without prior identification of specific patient characteristics indicating likely benefit from the application of external compression.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02915627, Registration Date: Sept 27, 2016.

Compression Garment-induced Leg Changes Increase Hemodynamic Responses in Healthy Individuals.

This study evaluated the morphological changes of the lower limb and associated hemodynamic responses to different lower-body compression pressures (COMPs) in physically active, healthy individuals at rest. Each of the 32 participants underwent three trials with three different degrees of lower-body compression applied: "Low" (2.2±1.4 mmHg), "Medium" (12.9±3.9 mmHg), and "High" (28.8±8.3 mmHg). In each COMP, a cross-sectional area of leg muscles (CSAmuscle), subcutaneous fat (CSAfat), superficial vessels (SupV), deep arteries (DA), and deep veins (DV) at the calf, knee, and thigh levels were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were measured using Doppler ultrasound (USCOM®). With High COMP, calf CSAmuscle and SupV were smaller (p<0.01), whereas DA and DV were larger (p<0.05). Calf CSAfat, however, was similar among all COMPs. There were no major changes in CSAmuscle and CSAfat at knee and thigh levels. CO (3.2±0.9 L/min) and SV (51.9±16.4 mL) were higher (p<0.05) only with High COMP, but other hemodynamic variables showed no significant changes across different COMPs. The High COMP at the lower limb induces leg morphological changes and increases associated hemodynamic responses of physically active healthy individuals at rest.

Effect of Thigh-Compression Shorts on Muscle Activity and Soft-Tissue Vibration During Cycling.

Hintzy, F, Gregoire, N, Samozino, P, Chiementin, X, Bertucci, W, and Rossi, J. Effect of thigh-compression shorts on muscle activity and soft-tissue vibration during cycling. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2145-2152, 2019-This study examined the effects of different levels of thigh compression (0, 2, 6, and 15 mm Hg) in shorts on both vibration and muscle activity of the thigh during cycling with superimposed vibrations. Twelve healthy males performed a 18-minute rectangular cycling test per shorts condition (randomized cross-over design) on a specifically designed vibrating cycloergometer. Each test was composed of 2 intensity levels (moderate then high) and 3 vibration frequencies of 18.3, 22.4, and 26.3 Hz, corresponding to cadences of 70, 85, and 100 rpm, respectively. Muscle vibrations were measured with 2 triaxial accelerometers located before and on the lower-body compression garment, to quantify, respectively, the input and output vibrations, and vastus lateralis muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography. Both vibration and electromyography signals were measured throughout the tests and quantified using root-mean-square analyses. The study showed that the use of a thigh-compression shorts at 6-15 mm Hg significantly reduced both the vibration transmissibility to the thigh and the muscle activity, with higher effect size at higher superimposed vibrations. The thigh-compression shorts garment therefore seems to be 1 way to dampen vibrations transmitted to the cyclists and then to reduce the negative consequences of these vibrations on muscles.

The Effect of Wearing a Lower Body Compression Garment on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in Division I NCAA Basketball Players.

Lower body compression (LBC) has been shown as an effective recovery tool from basketball but it is unknown how it affects performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing a LBC garment on anaerobic exercise performance in collegiate basketball players. Healthy Division I collegiate basketball players (n = 12) were recruited for this study. In a crossover, counterbalanced study design, subjects volunteered to participate in two separate visits each with a different condition: wearing a LBC garment or non-compressive control (CON) garment. During each visit, subjects completed 2 × 30 second Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) separated by a 5-min active recovery period. Each visit was separated by a 72 h washout period. Results revealed that over the 2 × 30 second WAnTs, mean power output (p = 0.028; d= 0.35), anaerobic capacity (p = 0.018; d = 0.45), and total work (p = 0.027; d = 0.36) were higher when wearing the LBC versus CON garment. However, peak power output (p = 0.319; d = 0.09), anaerobic power (p = 0.263; d = 0.23), and fatigue index (p = 0.749; d = 0.05) were not statistically different. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly lower (p = 0.032; d = 0.72) with LBC compared to CON. Results indicate that LBC may increase anaerobic exercise performance in collegiate basketball players.

Exercise and non-pharmacological treatment of POTS.

Recent research has demonstrated that cardiovascular deconditioning (i.e., cardiac atrophy and hypovolemia) contributes significantly to the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and its functional disability. Therefore, physical reconditioning with exercise training and volume expansion via increased salt and fluid intake should be initiated early in the course of treatment for patients with POTS if possible. The use of horizontal exercise (e.g., rowing, swimming, recumbent bike, etc.) at the beginning is a critical strategy, allowing patients to exercise while avoiding the upright posture that elicits their POTS symptoms. As patients become increasingly fit, the duration and intensity of exercise should be progressively increased, and upright exercise can be gradually added as tolerated. Supervised training is preferable to maximize functional capacity. Other non-pharmacological interventions, which include: 1) chronic volume expansion via sleeping in the head-up position; 2) reduction in venous pooling during orthostasis by lower body compression garments extending at least to the xiphoid or with an abdominal binder; and 3) physical countermeasure maneuvers, such as squeezing a rubber ball, leg crossing, muscle pumping, squatting, negative-pressure breathing, etc., may also be effective in preventing orthostatic intolerance and managing acute clinical symptoms in POTS patients. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacies of these non-pharmacological treatments of POTS.

Determination of leg cross-sectional curvatures and application in pressure prediction for lower body compression garments

It has been recognized that the cross-sectional curvatures of lower extremities directly influence pressure magnitudes and distributions exerted by compression garments. In the practice of compression therapy, higher peak pressures produced by compression shells occurred at anatomic sites with smaller radius of curvatures and led to side effects and discomfort perception. An effective and operational method to determine leg curvature properties in order to predict pressure performances is desirable to improve comfort and mechanical function of compression garment. By employing three-dimensional (3D) digital anthropometry and two-dimensional (2D) digital image simulation, the curvatures and radius of curvatures of a total of 300 cross-sectional slices involving 1200 anatomic sites along the lower limbs were determined onto the ten healthy female subjects when they were and were not wearing compression stockings. Based on the determined cross-sectional characteristics, the skin pressures were calculated using the circumference-based and the radius of curvature-based Laplace’s equations, respectively, which were further validated against the experimental skin pressures measured by a PicoPress transducer. This study provided quantitative evidence in the exploration of the working mechanisms of uneven pressures produced by compression garments, and established a standardized method to determine cross-section-related curvature characteristics for pressure assessment and prediction, which will contribute to improving user compliance of compression garments in long-term wear.