title: A novel compression garment with adhesive silicone stripes improves repeated sprint performance - a multi-experimental approach on the underlying mechanisms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Repeated sprint performance is determined by explosive production of power, as well as rapid recovery between successive sprints, and there is evidence that compression garments and sports taping can improve both of these factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  In each of two sub-studies, female athletes performed two sets of 30 30-m sprints (one sprint per minute), one set wearing compression garment with adhesive silicone stripes (CGSS) intended to mimic taping and the other with normal clothing, in randomized order. Sub-study 1 (n = 12) focused on cardio-respiratory, metabolic, hemodynamic and perceptual responses, while neuronal and biomechanical parameters were examined in sub-study 2 (n = 12).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both sub-studies the CGSS improved repeated sprint performance during the final 10 sprints (best P < 0.01, d = 0.61). None of the cardio-respiratory or metabolic variables monitored were altered by wearing this garment (best P = 0.06, d = 0.71). Also during the final 10 sprints, rating of perceived exertion by the upper leg muscles was reduced (P = 0.01, d = 1.1), step length increased (P = 0.01, d = 0.91) and activation of the m. rectus femoris elevated (P = 0.01, d = 1.24), while the hip flexion angle was lowered throughout the protocol (best P < 0.01, d = 2.28) and step frequency (best P = 0.34, d = 0.2) remained unaltered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the physiological parameters monitored were unchanged, the CGSS appears to improve performance during 30 30-m repeated sprints by reducing perceived exertion and altering running technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Science, University of Wuppertal, Fuhlrottstraße 10, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany ; Department of Sport Sciences, Integrative and Experimental Exercise Science, University of Würzburg, 97082 Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Dennis-Peter
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Born
authors.affiliation: Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, 83125 Östersund, Sweden.
authors.forename: Hans-Christer
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Holmberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Science, University of Wuppertal, Fuhlrottstraße 10, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Goernert
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Science, University of Wuppertal, Fuhlrottstraße 10, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany ; Department of Sport Sciences, Integrative and Experimental Exercise Science, University of Würzburg, 97082 Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Billy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sperlich
keywords: Blood flow; Clothing; Oscillation; Oxygen uptake; Oxygenation; Textile; Tissue saturation index; Venous system; Video analysis