The Effects of Graduated Compression Sleeves on Muscle Performance: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Effects of Graduated Compression Sleeves on Muscle Performance: A Randomised Controlled Trial"

Anne Bryan
6 years ago
Views:

1 International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Volume 9 Number The Effects of Graduated Compression Sleeves on Muscle Performance: A Randomised Controlled Trial Maria C. Pereira 1, Martim Bottaro 1, Lee E. Brown 2, Valdinar A. Rocha-Junior 1, Saulo S. Martorelli 1, Murillo Neumann 1, Jake Carmo 1 1 University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil, mariaclaudiacarpe@yahoo.com.br 2 California State University, Fullerton, California, USA. ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of graduated compression sleeves on muscle performance during high-intensity exercise. Twenty-four resistance trained men were randomly assigned to one of two groups: compression sleeve (GCS, n=11) or placebo sleeve (GPS, n=13). Participants performed 4 sets of 10 unilateral maximal eccentric/concentric elbow flexion repetitions on an isokinetic dynamometer at 120 s -1 with 1 min of inter-set rest. Average torque, work and power were measured during concentric and eccentric actions. ANOVA revealed no significant interactions or main effects for group for any variable. However, values decreased significantly across sets for average torque (1 st = ± Nm to 4 th = ± 8.78 Nm), average work (1 st = ± J to 4 th = ± J) and average power (1 st = 52.3 ± W to 4 th = ± 8.82 W). Therefore, the use of a graduated compression sleeve appears not enhance isokinetic elbow flexion muscle performance. Key words: Compression Garments, Eccentric Muscle Action, Isokinetic Exercise, Resistance Training INTRODUCTION Recently, compression garments have become popular among athletes as an ergogenic aid that may enhance performance during competition and training. Current compression garments range from whole body to isolated limb sleeves (e.g., tights, shorts, socks, sleeves etc.). There is also a new graduated compression garment that provides varying degrees of compression across a body segment. Typically, the graduate compression is greatest at the distal end and decreases gradually to the proximal end of the isolated limb [1-2]. Studies reported that compression garments may activate mechanoreceptors in superficial tissue, enhance sensory feedback and improve proprioception [3-6]. These mechanisms might enhance muscle performance. Several studies have demonstrated that lower-body Reviewer: Andrew Fry (University of Kansas, USA)

2 986 The Effects of Graduated Compression Sleeves on Muscle Performance compression garments provide physiological and performance benefits during multi-joint exercises [2-5, 7-9]. Initial studies demonstrated that compression shorts increased vertical jump performance by enhancing force and power production across repeated jumps [3-4] possibly mediated by a reduction in muscle oscillation and enhancement of joint position sense [4-5]. Most prior studies have primarily investigated the effects of compression garments during lower-body continuous exercise [2, 5, 9-15], and several studies have reported physiological and performance benefits [9, 13, 16-17]. Recently, upper-body compression garments have become popular, albeit with little substantiating scientific evidence. Studies evaluated the effects of compression garments on upper-body recovery after exercise [18-20] and their results indicated that the compression garments improved recovery. However, to the best of our knowledge only two studies [17, 21] investigated the effects of compression garments on upper-body performance during exercise. Dascombe et al. [17] demonstrated no significant improvements in power output during continuous simulated flat-water kayaking while wearing upper-body compression garments (full-length long-sleeved tops). Moreover, Duffield and Portus [21] compared the effects of three types of whole-body compression garments on performance and recovery in cricket players with no benefits noted for repeat-sprint or throwing performance. Although most previous studies have examined compression garments during lower-body continuous exercise, there is a paucity of research related to the effects of upper-body compression garments on intermittent high-intensity exercise. Furthermore, since compression garments appear to improve muscle recovery, we hypothesized that upper-body compression garment may enhance muscular performance during isokinetic intermittent exercise. In addition, compression sleeves have become popular as an attempt to improve performance during intermittent, high-intensity sports such as volleyball, baseball, softball, basketball and track and field. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of graduated compression sleeves on muscle performance during isokinetic intermittent high-intensity exercise. METHOD EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM A between-subjects randomised controlled trial design was used to examine the effects of graduated compression sleeves on muscle performance via intermittent exercise. We used this design because it is the most rigorous way of determining whether a cause-effect relation exists between treatment and outcome [22]. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups: graduated compression sleeve or placebo sleeve. They performed 4 sets of 10 maximal elbow flexions on an isokinetic dynamometer with their dominant arm. One minute rest was given between sets and the sleeve was worn during the entire test. SUBJECTS Twenty-four resistance trained men (age: 24.1 ± 5.2 years; body mass: 78.6 ± 9.7 kg; height: ± 6.2 cm) voluntarily participated. They had at least six months of experience resistance training, a minimum of three times per week. All subjects completed a health screening questionnaire prior to participation, were properly informed of all procedures, purposes, benefits and risks, then signed a institutional ethics committee written informed consent form. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: graduated compression sleeve (GCS, n= 11) or placebo sleeve (GPS, n= 13). Arm circumference was used to select the size of the sleeve (Skins, Sydney, New South, Australia) in accordance with

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Volume 9 Number 5 2014 987 manufacturer s instructions (each product has a specific size chart and size calculator).

3 International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Volume 9 Number manufacturer s instructions (each product has a specific size chart and size calculator). The placebo sleeve was visually similar to the graduated compression sleeve but without the capacity for compression. PROCEDURES Participants completed an elbow flexion exercise protocol with their dominant arm. Exercise was performed on an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3, Biodex Medical, Inc., Shirley, NY) at 120 s -1 which was calibrated prior to each testing session according to the manufacturer s specifications. Subjects were seated on a Scott Bench (preacher curl bench, Gervasport, São Paulo, Brazil) with their elbow aligned with the axis of rotation of the dynamometer (Figure 1). Range of motion was 0 to 130 of elbow flexion (0 at full extension) [23]. Their forearm remained in a supinated position throughout the test. The protocol consisted of 4 sets of 10 maximal eccentric/concentric actions. A one minute rest interval was given between sets and verbal encouragement was given throughout the exercise by the same investigator. Average torque, average work and average power during concentric and eccentric actions were measured. The Biodex has previously been shown to be a reliable (ICC= 0.86 to 0.98) and valid tool for the measurement of torque, work and power [24]. Figure 1. Scott Bench (preacher curl bench) adapted to the Isokinetic Dynamometer

4 988 The Effects of Graduated Compression Sleeves on Muscle Performance STATISTICAL ANALYSES Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation. Separate 2 x 4 (group x set) mixed factor ANOVAs were used to determine significant differences across sets for average torque, average work and average power for both concentric and eccentric actions. Fisher least significant difference (LSD) was used as a post hoc test for pairwise differences. Partial Eta squared was calculated as a measure of effect size (ES) for each variable. Statistical significance was set a priori at P < All statistical procedures were performed using the statistical software package SPSS 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS There were no significant group differences for age or anthropometric measures prior to testing. There were also no significant interactions or main effects for group for any variable. For concentric average torque, there was a significant F (1.60, 35.17) = 34.42, r = 0.61 main effect for time with values decreasing significantly across sets (1 st > 2 nd > 3 rd > 4 th ) (Figure 2 A). For eccentric average torque, there was a significant F (2.15, 47.29) = , r = 0.91 main effect for time with values decreasing significantly across sets (1 st > 2 nd > 3 rd > 4 th ) (Figure 2 A). For concentric average work, there was a significant F (1.66, 36.62) = 52.16, r = 0.70 main effect for time with values decreasing significantly across sets (1 st > 2 nd > 3 rd & 4 th ) (Figure 2 B). For eccentric average work, there was a significant F (1.98, 43.55) = , r = 0.89 main effect for time with values decreasing significantly across sets (1 st > 2 nd > 3 rd > 4 th ) (Figure 2 B). For concentric average power, there was a significant F (1.32, 22.98) = 47.47, r =.79 main effect for time with values decreasing significantly across sets (1 st > 2 nd > 3 rd > 4 th ) (Figure 2 C). For eccentric average power, there was a significant F (1.58, 34.66) = , r =.89 main effect for time with values decreasing significantly across sets (1 st > 2 nd > 3 rd > 4 th ) (Figure 2 C). DISCUSSION The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of graduated compression sleeves on muscle performance during intermittent high-intensity elbow flexion exercise. Our results showed that average torque, work and power decreased significantly over the course of four sets demonstrating a normal muscle fatiguing slope. However, the graduated compression sleeves did not enhance isokinetic performance during concentric or eccentric actions. A review by Born et al. [6] concluded that although there are beneficial effects of compression garments on performance, they seem to be more pronounced when used for recovery purposes, hours after induced-muscle damage. Most prior studies of compression garments on performance have only examined their effects on the lower-body, making direct comparisons to our results difficult. Faulkner et al. [10] investigated the effects of a variety of lower-limb compression garments on 400-m sprint performance and found no significant differences when compared to a control condition. Many other studies have also not found significant lower-body performance differences while wearing compression garments [2, 7-8, 12, 17, 25-27]. In contrast, Kraemer et al. [3] demonstrated that compression shorts resulted in maintenance of power in volleyball players during 10 consecutive maximal countermovement jumps but did not improve single maximal jump power. Similarly, compression shorts significantly enhanced mean force and power before and after different fatigue tasks, although without an increase in maximal power of the highest jump [4]. Moreover, compression shorts reduced muscle oscillation upon impact and

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Volume 9 Number 5 2014 989 Figure 2.

5 International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Volume 9 Number Figure 2. Changes in average torque (A), average work (B) and average power (C) of concentric and eccentric actions by group and set. *significantly less than set 1. + significantly less than set 2. x significantly less than set 3

6 990 The Effects of Graduated Compression Sleeves on Muscle Performance improved position sense while enhancing proprioception. Improvements in position sense and proprioception may have enhanced performance under conditions of fatigue [4]. Doan et al. [5] evaluated compression shorts vs. loose-fitting gym shorts in university track athletes and found that countermovement vertical jump height increased, and participants hip flexion angle during a 60m sprint was reduced when they wore compression shorts. Additionally, wearing compression shorts resulted in attenuated impact forces and a reduction in muscle oscillation when landing from a jump [5]. We found only one study [17] that investigated the effects of upper-body compression garments on upper-body performance. Dascombe et al. [17] examined the effects of wearing upper-body compression garment on performance during simulated flat-water kayaking. Five male and two female elite flat-water kayakers completed a six-step incremental test followed by a four-minute maximal performance test. Participants performed two exercise conditions: 1) full-length compression long-sleeved tops, and 2) no shirt or sports training bra. Performance measures such as power, distance covered, and stroke rate were recorded during the tests. No significant differences between the upper-body compression garment and control conditions were evident for any performance variable. They reported that the null effect may be due to low compression provided by the compression garment at the agonist muscles used for kayaking, which are located on the torso of the body (i.e., rotator cuff, serratus anterior, rhomboid major and latissimus dorsi). Although Dascomb et al. [17] have investigated the effects of upper-body compression garments on performance during continuous exercise, our data are in agreement with their results. Furthermore, Duffield and Portus [21] submitted 10 male cricket players to four randomised exercise sessions (three types of full-body compression garments and a control). Each session consisted of a 20 m sprint every minute, separated by 45 s of submaximal exercise. All compression garments were worn during the entire testing session and 24 h after exercise. Participants performed a maximal distance throwing test of five maximal cricket ball throws, before and after the exercise session. Performance on the accuracy throwing was measured by throws at a custom designed target at 10, 20 and 30 min of the exercise session. They found no significant differences in repeat-sprint performance, throwing distance or accuracy between conditions. Although other researchers have investigated the effects of a lower-body exercise protocol on sports-specific upper-body performance, our results are in agreement with their findings. Furthermore, it has been suggested that compression garments may interact with receptors present in skin, muscle, ligaments and joint capsules barrack [28-29] that enhance sensory feedback, resulting in improved proprioception. Therefore, the lack of performance enhancement in the present study may be related to exercise mode. During the isokinetic high-intensity elbow flexion exercise in the present study, the limb is stable and subjected to low impact forces. In addition, the dynamometer maintains the movement pattern throughout the range of motion and may reduce proprioceptive mechanism requirements [30]. CONCLUSION We found no muscle performance improvements with compression sleeves during intermittent high-intensity isokinetic elbow flexion exercise. Average torque, work and power decreased significantly over the course of four sets and showed a normal fatiguing pattern, but eccentric and concentric values were not significantly different across sets between placebo and compression sleeves. Although graduated compression sleeves did not enhance muscle performance during intermittent high-intensity isokinetic exercise they also did not hinder it. Therefore, coaches and athletes may use graduated compression sleeves at

7 International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Volume 9 Number their preference for other purposes, such as improving recovery or prevention of muscle damage. Future studies should attempt to verify the effects of graduated compression sleeves on performance during other types of exercise and in different populations. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This study was partially supported by the Brazilian Council for the Research Development (CNPq). REFERENCES 1. Agu, O., Hamilton, G. and Baker, D., Graduated Compression Stockings in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism, British Journal of Surgery, 1999, 86(8), Scanlan, A.T., Dascombe, B.J., Reaburn, P.R. and Osborne, M., The Effects of Wearing Lower-Body Compression Garments During Endurance Cycling, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2008, 3(4), Kraemer, W.J., Bush, J.A., Bauer, J.A., Triplett-McBride, N.T., Paxton, N.J., Clemson, A., Koziris, L.P., Mangino, L.C., Fry, A.C. and Newton, R.U., Influence of Compression Garments on Vertical Jump Performance in NCAA Division I Volleybal Players, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 1996, 10(3), Kraemer, W.J., Bush, J.A., Triplett-McBride, N.T., Koziris, L.P., Mangino, L.C., Fry, A.C., McBride, J.M., Johnston, J., Volek, J.S., Young, C.A., Gómez, A.L. and Newton, R.U., Compression Garments: Influence on Muscle Fatigue, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 1998, 12(4), Doan, B.K., Kwon, Y.H., Newton, R.U., Shim, J., Popper, E.M., Rogers, R.A., Bolt, L.R., Robertson, M. and Kraemer, W.J., Evaluation of A Lower-Body Compression Garment, Journal of Sports Sciences, 2003, 21(8), Born, D.P., Sperlich, B. and Holmberg, H.C., Bringing Light Into the Dark: Effects of Compression Clothing on Performance and Recovery, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2013, 8(1), Duffield, R., Edge, J., Merrells, R., Hawke, E., Barnes, M., Simcock, D. and Gill, N., The Effects of Compression Garments on Intermittent Exercise Performance and Recovery on Consecutive Days, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2008, 3(4), Higgins, T., Naughton, G.A. and Burgess, D., Effects of Wearing Compression Garments on Physiological and Performance Measures in a Simulated Game-Specific Circuit for Netball, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2009, 12(1), Ali, A., Creasy, R.H. and Edge, J.A., The Effect of Graduated Compression Stockings on Running Performance, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2011, 25(5), Faulkner, J.A., Gleadon, D., McLaren, J. and Jakeman, J.R., Effect of Lower-Limb Compression Clothing on 400-M Sprint Performance, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2013, 27(3), Bovenschen, H.J., Booij, M.T. and van der Vleuten, C.J., Graduated Compression Stockings for Runners: Friend, Foe, or Fake?, Journal of Athletic Training, 2013, 48(2), Bringard, A., Perrey, S. and Belluye, N., Aerobic Energy Cost and Sensation Responses During Submaximal Running Exercise - Positive Effects of Wearing Compression Tights, International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2006, 27(5), Ali, A., Caine, M.P. and Snow, B.G., Graduated Compression Stockings: Physiological and Perceptual Responses During and After Exercise, Journal of Sports Sciences, 2007, 25(4), Kemmler, W., von Stengel, S., Kockritz, C., Mayhew, J., Wassermann, A. and Zapf, J., Effect of Compression Stockings on Running Performance in Men Runners, The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2009, 23(1), Ali, A., Creasy, R.H. and Edge, J.A., Physiological Effects of Wearing Graduated Compression Stockings During Running, European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2010, 109(6),

8 992 The Effects of Graduated Compression Sleeves on Muscle Performance 16. Duffield, R., Cannon, J. and King, M., The Effects of Compression Garments on Recovery of Muscle Performance Following High-Intensity Sprint and Plyometric Exercise, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2010, 13(1), Dascombe, B., Laursen, P., Nosaka, K. and Polglaze, T., No Effect of Upper Body Compression Garments in Elite Flat-Water Kayakers, European Journal of Sport Science, 2011, Kraemer, W.J., Bush, J.A., Wickham, R.B., Denegar, C.R., Gomez, A.L., Gotshalk, L.A., Duncan, N.D., Volek, J.S., Newton, R.U., Putukian, M. and Sebastianelli, W.J., Continuous Compression as an Effective Therapeutic Intervention in Treating Eccentric-Exercise-Induced Muscle Soreness, Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 2001, 10(1), Kraemer, W.J., Bush, J.A., Wickham, R.B., Denegar, C.R., Gomez, A.L., Gotshalk, L.A., Duncan, N.D., Volek, J.S., Putukian, M. and Sebastianelli, W.J., Influence of Compression Therapy on Symptoms Following Soft Tissue Injury from Maximal Eccentric Exercise, The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2001, 31(6), Kraemer, W.J., Flanagan, S.D., Comstock, B.A., Fragala, M.S., Earp, J.E., Dunn-Lewis, C., Ho, J.Y., Thomas, G.A., Solomon-Hill, G., Penwell, Z.R., Powell, M.D., Wolf, M.R., Volek, J.S., Denegar, C.R. and Maresh, C.M., Effects of a Whole Body Compression Garment on Markers of Recovery After a Heavy Resistance Workout in Men and Women, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2010, 24(3), Duffield, R. and Portus, M., Comparison of Three Types of Full-Body Compression Garments on Throwing and Repeat-Sprint Performance in Cricket Players, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2007, 41(7), Sibbald, B. and Roland, M., Understanding Controlled Trials. Why Are Randomised Controlled Trials Important?, British Medicine Journal, 1998, 316(7126), Brown, L.E., Whitehurst, M., Bryant, J.R. and Buchalter, D.N., Reliability of the Biodex System 2 Isokinetic Dynamometer Concentric Mode, lsokinetics and Exercise Science, 1993, 3(3), Brown, L.E., Sjostrom, T., Comeau, M.J., Whitehurst, M., Greenwood, M. and Findley, B.W., Kinematics of Biophysically Asymmetric Limbs Within Rate of Velocity Development, The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume, 2005, 19(2), Houghton, L.A., Dawson, B. and Maloney, S.K., Effects of Wearing Compression Garments on Thermoregulation During Simulated Team Sport Activity in Temperate Environmental Conditions, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2009, 12(2), Goh, S.S., Laursen, P.B., Dascombe, B. and Nosaka, K., Effect of Lower Body Compression Garments on Submaximal and Maximal Running Performance in Cold (10 C) and Hot (32 C) Environments, European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2010, 111(5), Menetrier, A., Mourot, L., Bouhaddi, M., Regnard, J. and Tordi, N., Compression Sleeves Increase Tissue Oxygen Saturation but Not Running Performance, International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2011, 32(11), Barrack, R.L., Skinner, H.B., Cook, S.D. and Haddad, R.J., Jr., Effect of Articular Disease and Total Knee Arthroplasty on Knee Joint-Position Sense, Journal of Neurophysiology, 1983, 50(3), Barrett, D.S., Cobb, A.G. and Bentley, G., Joint Proprioception in Normal, Osteoarthritic and Replaced Knees, The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume, 1991, 73(1), Cotterman, M.L., Darby, L.A. and Skelly, W.A., Comparison of Muscle Force Production Using the Smith Machine and Free Weights for Bench Press and Squat Exercises, The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2005, 19(1),

Adidas TechFit Shorts and Their Effect on Anaerobic Power Output and Sports Enhancement

Sipes et al. - Effects of Adidas TechFit Shorts on Sports Performance 8 Adidas TechFit Shorts and Their Effect on Anaerobic Power Output and Sports Enhancement David Sipes, Donny Graybill, Danielle Haas