Compression Garments Reduce Muscle Movement and Activation during Submaximal Running

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Muscle movement and activation during running can contribute to fatigue and injury.
• Compression garments are theorized to mitigate these effects by limiting muscle oscillation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of sports compression tights in reducing muscle movement and activation during running.
• To assess the impact of compression on muscle displacement, soft tissue vibrations, muscle activation, and running economy.

Main Methods:

• Two studies involving 27 recreationally active males were conducted on treadmills.
• 3D motion capture technology assessed lower limb muscle displacement (thigh and calf).
• Study 2 measured soft tissue vibrations (RMS Ar), muscle activation (iEMG), and running economy (V˙O2) with various compression tights.

Main Results:

• Compression tights significantly reduced thigh and calf muscle displacement across all tested running speeds.
• Compression also led to reductions in soft tissue vibrations and muscle activation (iEMG).
• No significant effect of compression was observed on running economy.

Conclusions:

• Lower limb compression garments effectively reduce muscle displacement and soft tissue vibrations during running.
• Compression also decreases muscle activation associated with running impact forces.
• Compression tights show potential for mitigating negative effects of impact forces during running.