Monday, January 28, 2013

Compression Garments do not Enhance High Intensity Exercise in Hot Radiant Conditions.


Compression Garments do not Enhance High Intensity Exercise in Hot Radiant Conditions.


Jan 2013

Source

Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, U.K.

Abstract


PURPOSE:

To establish the thermal and performance effects of wearing a lower-body graduated compression garment (GCG; COMPRESSION) in a hot environment (35.2 (0.1)°C) with a representative radiant heat load (~800 W.m2) in contrast to a CONTROL (running shorts) and SHAM condition (a compression garment 1-size larger than that recommended by the manufacturer) with the latter included to establish any placebo effect.

METHOD:

Eight participants (mean [SD]); age 21 [2]years; height 1.77 [0.06]m; mass 72.8 [7.1]kg; surface area, 1.89 [0.10]m2) completed three treadmill tests at a fixed speed for 15-minutes followed by a self-paced 5 kilometre time trial (TT). Performance (completion time) and pacing (split time), thermal responses (aural [Tau], skin [Tskin], mean body temperature [Tb], cardiac frequency [fc]) and perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion [RPE], thermal sensation [TS], thermal comfort [TC]) were measured.

RESULTS:

Performance in COMPRESSION was not different to either SHAM or CONTROL at any stage (p>0.05); completion time 26.08 (4.08), 26.05 (3.27), 25.18 (3.15) minutes, respectively. At the end of the 5 km TT, RPE was not different; 19 (1) across conditions. In general, thermal and perceptual responses were not different although the radiant heat load increased site-specific skin temperature (quadricep) in the garment conditions.

CONCLUSION:

GCG did not enhance performance in a hot environment with a representative radiant heat load. The SHAM treatment did not benefit perception. GCG provided no evidence of performance enhancement.

**Note: Those of us with lymphedema however, MUST, wear our compression garments and/or wraps.**

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