title: Effect of Compression Socks Worn Between Repeated Maximal Running Bouts.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effect of wearing compression socks between repeated running bouts on perceptual, physiological, and performance-based parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve well-trained male runners (mean ± SD 5-km time 19:24 ± 1:19 [min:s]) recorded their perceptions of the efficacy of compression socks for recovery before completion of 2 experimental sessions. Each session consisted of two 5-km running time trials (TT1 and TT2) on a treadmill, with a 1-h recovery period between. In a randomized crossover design, 1 session required participants to wear compression socks during the recovery period, and no compression socks were worn between TTs in the other session (control).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Running performance between TT1 and TT2 for runners wearing compression socks was similar between TTs (mean Δ 5.3 ± 20.7 s, d = 0.07, P = .20), whereas for control runners, performance significantly decreased in the second TT (mean Δ 15.9 ± 13.3 s, d = 0.19, P < .01). When grouped by perception of efficacy for compression socks, participants with strong beliefs (n = 7) experienced improved subsequent running performance with compression socks (mean Δ -3.6 ± 19.2 s, d = 0.05, P = .32) compared with those with neutral or negative perceptions (n = 5; mean Δ 17.9 ± 17.0 s, d = 0.19, P = .04). Cross-sectional area of the calf and muscle soreness were significantly reduced during the recovery period with the use of compression socks (P < .01), whereas ratings of fatigue showed no difference between conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Wearing compression socks between repeated running bouts can aid recovery and subsequent performance. Furthermore, subsequent exercise performance may be even further enhanced when athletes believe in the efficacy of compression socks to assist in recovery between exercise bouts.
authors.forename: Ned
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Brophy-Williams
authors.forename: Matthew W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Driller
authors.forename: Cecilia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kitic
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Fell
authors.forename: Shona L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Halson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D063806:Myalgia / Q000517:prevention & control; D010465:Perception; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D053828:Stockings, Compression
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid
keywords: athletic performance; belief effect; ergogenic aid; recovery; time trial