The effects of lower-body compression garments on walking performance and perceived exertion in adults with CVD risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
Compression garments are used by athletes in attempts to enhance performance and recovery, although evidence to support their use is equivocal. Reducing the exertion experienced during exercise may encourage sedentary individuals to increase physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of compression garments on walking performance (self-paced and enforced pace) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in adults who presented with two or more CVD risk factors. Participants (n=15, 10 female, 58.9±11.5 years, BMI 27.5±4.5kgm2) were recruited.


METHODS
A repeated measures design.


METHODS
Participants were randomised to Modified Bruce Protocol (enforced pace), or the 6min walk test (self-paced), and completed the test wearing compression garments or normal exercise clothes (Control). Outcome measures included stage completed, gross efficiency (%) and RPE in Modified Bruce Protocol, and distance walked (m) and RPE in 6 min walk test.


RESULTS
In the Modified Bruce Protcol participants had a higher RPE (15.5±2.5 vs 14.3±2.2) and a lower efficiency (19.1±5.9 vs 21.1±6.7) in the compression garment condition compared with control, p<0.05. In the 6 min walk test participants walked 9% less in the compression garment condition (p<0.05) but did not have a lower RPE.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with previous studies reporting enhanced or no effects of compression garments on performance or RPE, this study shows adverse effects of such clothing in untrained individuals with CVD risk factors. The mechanisms underlying this negative effect require further exploration. Use of garments designed for the athletic individuals may not be suitable for the wider population.
Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: reedk@essex.ac.uk.
Katharine E
KE
Reed
Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
Amanda L
AL
White
Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
Spiros
S
Logothetis
Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
Christopher J
CJ
McManus
Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
Gavin R H
GR
Sandercock
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003020:Clothing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
Adult; Effort; Exercise; Physical activity; Risk