[Effectiveness of Upper Body Compression Garments Under Competitive Conditions: A Randomised Crossover Study...

This study aimed to investigate the effects of upper body compression garments on performance changes in elite canoeists. A total of 23 elite athletes from the German Canoe Federation (6 women and 17 men) were recruited. On a regatta lake, the athletes completed a 1650-m test track with their competition or training boats and paddles. The athletes were randomised into two groups and performed the test track with and without upper body compression garments. Besides split and end times, capillary blood lactate concentrations were assessed. For statistical analysis, an effect-based approach ("Magnitude-Based Inferences") and an additional case study were conducted. For this purpose, the mean and individual effects were examined in relation to the smallest worthwhile changes. On average, the effect-based approach shows that upper body compression garments do not lead to clear changes in performance. The changes in lactate concentrations were clear, but were considered trivial. In contrast to the average statistical analysis, the results of the case study demonstrate that upper body compression garments lead to an improved performance in 13.0 % and a worsened performance in 4.4 % of athletes. Additionally, a decreased lactate concentration was found in 4.4 % and an increased lactate concentration in 17.4 % of athletes. Our study shows that, on average, upper body compression garments have no effects on the performance and lactate concentration of highly trained elite canoeists. In individual cases, however, there are beneficial as well as harmful effects that may have practical relevant consequences for elite athletes.