title: Lower-leg compression, running mechanics, and economy in trained distance runners.
abstract: The efficacy of and mechanisms behind the widespread use of lower-leg compression as an ergogenic aid to improve running performance are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether wearing graduated lower-leg compression sleeves during exercise evokes changes in running economy (RE), perhaps due to altered gait mechanics. Sixteen highly trained male distance runners completed 2 separate RE tests during a single laboratory session, including a randomized-treatment trial of graduated calf-compression sleeves (CS; 15-20 mm Hg) and a control trial (CON) without compression sleeves. RE was determined by measuring oxygen consumption at 3 constant submaximal speeds of 233, 268, and 300 m/min on a treadmill. Running mechanics were measured during the last 30 s of each 4-min stage of the RE test via wireless triaxial 10-g accelerometer devices attached to the top of each shoe. Ground-contact time, swing time, step frequency, and step length were determined from accelerometric output corresponding to foot-strike and toe-off events. Gait variability was calculated as the standard deviation of a given gait variable for an individual during the last 30 s of each stage. There were no differences in VO2 or kinematic variables between CON and CS trials at any of the speeds. Wearing lower-leg compression does not alter the energetics of running at submaximal speeds through changes in running mechanics or other means. However, it appears that the individual response to wearing lower-leg compression varies greatly and warrants further examination.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
authors.forename: Abigail S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Stickford
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Jeanne D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Joel M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Stager
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005080:Exercise Test; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D055815:Young Adult