Cardio-respiratory and metabolic responses to different levels of compression during submaximal exercise

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The effects of knee-high socks that applied different levels of compression (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mmHg) on various cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters during submaximal running were analysed. METHODS: Fifteen well-trained, male endurance athletes (age: 22.2 ± 1.3 years; peak oxygen uptake: 57.2 ± 4.0 mL/minute/kg) performed a ramp test to determine peak oxygen uptake. Thereafter, all athletes carried out five periods of submaximal running (at approximately 70% of peak oxygen uptake) with and without compression socks that applied the different levels of pressure. Cardiac output and index, stroke volume, arterio-venous difference in oxygen saturation, oxygen uptake, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood lactate were monitored before and during all of these tests. RESULTS: Cardiac output (P = 0.29) and index (P = 0.27), stroke volume (P = 0.50), arterio-venous difference in oxygen saturation (P = 0.11), oxygen uptake (P = 1.00), arterial oxygen saturation (P = 1.00), heart rate (P = 1.00) and arterial lactate concentration (P = 1.00) were unaffected by compression (effect sizes = 0.00-0.65). CONCLUSION: This first evaluation of the potential effects of increasing levels of compression on cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters during submaximal exercise revealed no effects whatsoever.