Compression Garments, Muscle Contractile Function, and Economy in Trail Runners

• Published in: International journal of sports physiology and performance 2017-01, Vol.12 (1), p.62-68
• Main Authors: Vercruyssen, Fabrice, Gruet, Mathieu, Colson, Serge S, Ehrstrom, Sabine, Brisswalter, Jeanick
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletic Performance - physiology; Compression therapy; Fitness equipment; Heart Rate - physiology; Human health and pathology; Humans; Knee - physiology; Life Sciences; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle Fatigue - physiology; Oxygen Consumption; Perception; Physical Exertion - physiology; Physiology; Quadriceps Muscle - physiology; Running; Running - physiology; Tissues and Organs
• ISSN: 1555-0265; 1555-0273
• DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0035

Physiological mechanisms behind the use of compression garments (CGs) during off-road running are unknown. To investigate the influence of wearing CGs vs conventional running clothing (CON) on muscle contractile function and running economy before and after short-distance trail running. Knee-extensor neuromuscular function and running economy assessed from two 5-min treadmill runs (11 and 14 km/h) were evaluated before and after an 18.6-km short-distance trail run in 12 trained athletes wearing either CGs (stocking + short-tight) or CON. Quadriceps neuromuscular function was assessed from mechanical and EMG recording after maximal percutaneous electrical femoral-nerve stimulations (single-twitch doublets at 10 [Db ] and 100 Hz [Db ] delivered at rest and during maximal quadriceps voluntary contraction [MVC]). Running economy (in mL O · km · kg ) increased after trail running independent of the clothing condition and treadmill speeds (P < .001). Similarly, MVC decreased after CON and CGs conditions (-11% and -13%, respectively, P < .001). For both clothing conditions, a significant decrease in quadriceps voluntary activation, Db , Db , and the low-to-high frequency doublet ratio were observed after trail running (time effect, all P < .01), without any changes in rectus femoris maximal M-wave. Wearing CGs does not reduce physiological alterations induced during short-distance trail running. Further studies should determine whether higher intensity of compression pressure during exercises of longer duration may be effective to induce any physiological benefits in experienced trail runners.