Effects of Compression on Muscle Tissue Oxygenation at the Onset of Exercise

Abstract

The effects of compression on gastrocnemius medialis muscle oxygenation and hemodynamics during a short-term dynamic exercise was investigated in a sample of 15 male subjects (mean ± SD; age 25.8 ± 4.9 years; mass 70.6 ± 4.3 kg). Elastic compression sleeves were used to apply multiple levels of compression to the calf muscles during exercise, and noncompressive garments were used for the control condition. Tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation was measured as the relative "tissue oxygen index" (TOI) with a near-infrared spectrometer. The recovery of TOI during exercise was determined from the slope of oxygenation recovery in a nonoccluded situation. The TOI recovery rate during the first 2 minutes of the exercise was 24% higher (p = 0.042) for the compression condition than for the control condition. A significant correlation (r = 0.61, p = 0.012) between the level of compression and the tissue oxygenation recovery during exercise was observed. Muscle energy use was determined from the rate of decline of TOI immediately upon arterial occlusion during early exercise. Muscle energy use measured during the occluded situation was not significantly influenced by compression. Based on these results, it was concluded that compression induced changes in tissue blood flow and perfusion appear to result in improved oxygenation during short-term exercise. Assuming that increased muscle oxygen availability positively influences performance, compression of muscles may enhance performance especially in sports that require repeated short bouts of exercise.

Reduced muscle activity during isokinetic contractions associated with external leg compression

“…However, the exact mechanisms by which compression garments save energy and improve sport through the damping of soft tissue vibrations remain unknown. A recent investigation has revealed that compression apparel decreased muscle pre-and post-activation during running [22]. This observation agrees with the present results.…”

Test–retest reliability of skeletal muscle oxygenation measurements during submaximal cycling exercise in patients with chronic heart failure

“…at least three) will possibly generate more satisfactory results for application in individual patients (Spencer et al, 2011). Fifth, the degree of compression of the muscle by the Velcro strap was not controlled; however, it has been known to increase the recovery rate of muscle tissue oxygen saturation, and it increases oxygen availability during short-term exercise (Bringard et al, 2006;Coza et al, 2012). Nevertheless, caution was taken to prevent compression to exceed the level that was necessary to reassure skin contact during exercise.…”

Compression garments and fabric orthoses for rehabilitation and function: a systematic mapping review

“…Although Beliard et al (2015) argued that pressure applied is not relevant to effectiveness, this claim is based upon a review of the effectiveness of a range of garments and is likely to be complicated by the heterogeneity of the studies included and other features of garment design, such as whether pressure profiles were graduated (higher distally) or progressive (higher proximally). A number of primary studies have demonstrated that physiological effects vary according to the pressure applied (Miyamoto et al, 2011;Coza et al, 2012;Bochman et al, 2005). In addition, a number of studies have demonstrated that pressure applied is hard to predict from sizing and varies with changes in posture and activity (Brophy-Williams et al, 2015;Hill et al, 2015;de Godoy et al 2010).…”