Reduced muscle activity during isokinetic contractions associated with external leg compression

Abstract

Abstract. BACKGROUND:The potential mechanism of compression apparel remains unclear to date because of insufficient knowledge on the influence of compressive level on muscular responses. OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of external leg compression on (a) the muscle force and endurance of the quadriceps femoris and (b) the muscle activation patterns during prolonged muscle actions. METHODS: Twelve male participants performed consecutive maximal concentric muscle actions of the quadriceps in compression garment (CG) and control condition (CON) at two angular velocities on the Contrex. The EMG amplitude and frequency of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis were quantified during the concentric phase of the knee extension movement. RESULTS: There was no significant compression effect on muscle force and total work during knee extensions. Contrarily, the overall EMG amplitude was significantly lower in CG than in CON at 60 and 300• /s. Additionally, the EMG frequency of the RF and VL was significantly higher in CG than in CON at 60• /s. CONCLUSION: Increased external pressure is associated with changes in EMG time and frequency domain behavior. These effects can potentially relieve muscle fatigue and improve muscle endurance during long-term exercise.

Putting the Squeeze on Compression Garments: Current Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research: A Systematic Scoping Review

“…The most commonly used markers of muscle function were isometric [4,11,27,34,45, and isokinetic [40,41,54,[74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87] muscle strength. Despite this, the effects of compression on these strength markers are unclear, as a large number of studies reported either a beneficial effect [4,27,34,41,45,[66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][82][83][84][85][86] or no effect [11, 40, 51-65, 74-81, 87].…”

“…A large number of studies reported compression to reduce muscle activation during different contraction/exercise models [54,55,75,76,142,143,148,155], which has previously been associated with improved contraction efficiency and movement economy [54,142]. However, a number of studies also reported no effect [58-60, 63, 68, 140, 146, 147, 156] or an increase [82,127] in muscle activation with compression, highlighting the need for more research in this area.…”

Comparison of contact interface factors for surface electromyography control wearable device

“…Some scholars studied that a certain external pressure was capable of changing motor unit activation patterns, while an unnecessary muscle activity is decreased, achieving to raise less motor units and to maintain the same output power, and thus, there is a positive effect on the long fatigue performance. 20 We believe this is feasible, but must have a consistent pressure distribution in motion. Our experiments showed that the pressure distribution was more consistent in the middle of upper arm, with no significant change in the position of peak values.…”

Does Trans-Radial Longitudinal Compression Influence Myoelectric Control?

“…Compression garments are frequently used therapeutically for medical conditions such as oedema and cerebral palsy and to improve athletic performance. [24][25][26][27][28][29][30] As longitudinal compression sockets provide regions of both high and low pressure, it is assumed their mechanism of action will be similar to that of "directional compression" garments, which provide targeted areas of varying compression. 26 Directional compression garments have been shown to reduce physiological responses which would result in muscle fatigue during sport and physical activity, 27,28 however it is not yet known whether longitudinal compression sockets provide the same benefit.…”

“… 24 – 30 As longitudinal compression sockets provide regions of both high and low pressure, it is assumed their mechanism of action will be similar to that of “ directional compression ” garments, which provide targeted areas of varying compression. 26 Directional compression garments have been shown to reduce physiological responses which would result in muscle fatigue during sport and physical activity, 27 , 28 however it is not yet known whether longitudinal compression sockets provide the same benefit. Additionally, high pressure must be applied with caution, as excessive localised compression can result in tissue ischemia and skin breakdown.…”