Previously,
we discussed the mechanism by which compression garments aid people from a
healthcare perspective as well as how their mechanism of action may not work in
athletes. However, as often seen in
science and medicine, tools can be employed in ways not originally intended with
great benefit. This is often due to some other mechanism of action. So, appropriately, the data assessing the
actual efficacy of the tool is important.
As a result, we review several recent studies regarding the use of compression
garments as training and recovery tools.
Very
little evidence can be found in recent literature supporting the use of
compression stockings during or after exercise.
Studies vary from compari
ng explosive type movements to submaximal
endurance activity. For instance,
Dufield and Portlus (2007) had cricket players wear compression garments with
sprinting and throwing exercise. No
benefit was seen in a second round of testing in sprint, throwing and
submaximal exercise performance. This
has been confirmed when looking at training with repeated bouts of high
intensity activity (Duffield et al. 2008; Pruscino, Halson, & Hargreaves
2013). Measuring common physiological
variables, researchers have shown a lack of benefit when comparing VO2max and blood
lactate levels when the garments are worn during exercise. Further, there was no difference in
performance in well trained athletes when comparing compression stockings,
socks, and whole body garments (Sperlich et al. 2010).
Commonly,
as coaches we emphasize the principal of specificity in training. This is the idea that training has to be
tailored to the sport and specific to its demands. Scientific literature also falls under this
principal when evaluating variables. And
as such, research specific to endurance performance has been done to evaluate
the effectiveness of compression garments.
Ali, Cane, and Snow (2010) found that 10K run performance was not
affected when compression garments were worn during the event. More specific to
cycling, no benefit was seen during time trial performance. Additionally, a positive effect under the
theory of improved circulation was not seen in regards to lactate threshold,
VO2, heart rate, and gas exchange at the working muscle (Scanlan, Dascombe, Reaburn, & Osborne
2008). And while not performed
with endurance sports, the work of Montgomery et al. (2008) evaluated the
efficacy of the garments under three day tournament conditions with basketball
players. This would be similar to a
stage race or a weekend with racing on consecutive days. Again, a benefit with compression garments as
a recovery modality was not seen. This
is especially true when compared to cold water therapy, which, in itself has
its own strengths and weaknesses.
With
the bulk of the data showing a lack of support for the use of compression
garments, it is important to note that there have been studies showing possible
benefits. Several of these studies,
their applicability to competition, as well as issues with the designs and
finding will be evaluated in the next posting.
