Abstract
Objectives
To assess the effect of wearing compression socks on immediate and subsequent 5 km running time trials, with particular attention to the influences on physiological,
perceptual and performance-based parameters.
Design
Counter-balanced cross-over experiment.
Methods
Twelve male runners (mean ± SD 5 km run time 19:29 ± 1:18 min:s) each completed two experimental sessions. Sessions consisted of a standardised
running warm-up, followed by a 5 km time trial (TT1), a one hour recovery period, then a repeat of the warm-up and
5 km time trial (TT2). One session required the use of sports compression socks during
the first warm-up and time trial (COMP), while the other did not (CON).
Results
The decline in run performance in CON from TT1 to TT2 was moderate and significantly greater than that experienced by runners in COMP (9.6 s, d = 0.67, p < 0.01). No difference was found between experimental conditions for oxygen consumption,
blood lactate or calf volume (p = 0.61, 0.54, 0.64, respectively). Perceptual measures of muscle soreness, fatigue and
recovery were also similar between trials (p = 0.56, 1.00 & 0.61, respectively).
Conclusions
Wearing sports compression socks during high intensity running has a positive impact
on subsequent running performance. The underlying mechanism of such performance enhancement
remains unclear, but may relate to improved oxygen delivery, reduced muscle oscillation,
superior running mechanics and athlete beliefs.
Abbreviations:
COMP (compression condition), CON (control condition), CSA (cross-sectional area), RPE (rating of perceived exertion), TQR (Total Quality Recovery scale), TT (time trial)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 19, 2018
Accepted:
June 11,
2018
Received in revised form:
June 6,
2018
Received:
February 19,
2018
Footnotes
☆Study carried out at: Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
