Effect of Wearing Whole Body Compression Garments on Cardiovascular Function using ECG Signals

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing whole body compression garments (WBCGs) on cardiovascular function of running trainers. Eight nonathletes (age: 25.1±3.8 years, height: 165.9±8.3 cm; weight: 61.4±13.7 kg) performed an incremental test followed by 30 minutes running on a treadmill, from 6 km.h-1 to 11 km.h-1 with correct size-compression garments (CCGs), undersize-compression garments (UCGs) and non-compression garments (NCGs). During the exercise, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were collected between each completed speed by wearable sensors. There was a significant difference in heart rate (HR, p<0.05) between CCGs and NCGs from the velocity of 7km.h-1 onwards. Moreover, the group that wore UCGs has some significant effects on QT intervals and corrected QT at 10km.h-1 and 11km.h-1 (p<0.05). The utilization of WBCGs in a running test may influence the cardiovascular function of wearers. Based on the results of longer QTc, UCGs may cause an adverse effect on performance. Essentially, CCGs should be recommended for wearing during exercise due to the effects of lower HR.

The relationship between compression garments and electrocardiogram signals during exercise and recovery phase

“…Moreover, a significant increase in cardiac arrhythmias also associated with the prolongation of QTc [ 18 ]. The current results are consistent with our previous observation suggesting that the pressure of CGs may effect on QTc parameters [ 31 ]. Based on the findings of lower QTc, CGs may have a positive influence on the recovering phase.…”

“…The present study investigated a significant lower QTc when using compression garments compared with non-compression garments after a 90-min of recovering time (p < 0.05). Similarly, an earlier study indicated a shorter value of QTc at the end of a running experiment in CGs group [ 31 ]. The previous finding proved that the longer QTc related to the development of atrial fibrillation and incidence of stroke [ 19 ].…”

Effect Of Compression Garments On Cardiovascular Function During Recovery Phase

“…Moreover, some previous research indicated a significant development in the risk of cardiac arrhythmias has a relationship with the QTc prolongation [20]. This present finding also is consistent with our previous study concluding that the pressure of CGs may influence on QTc value [28]. As a result, CGs may have positive effects on recovery based on the lower QTc.…”

“…This present investigation has shown that wearing CG results in a significant lower QTc after 90-min recovery compared with wearing NCGs (p<0.05). Consistent with this, earlier research has demonstrated shorter corrected QT interval in a group of using CGs at the end of a running test [27]. The longer QTc is associated with an increased incidence of stroke and atrial fibrillation [21].…”