Compression stockings do not improve muscular performance during a half-ironman triathlon race.

Del Coso, Juan; Areces, Francisco; Salinero, Juan; González-Millán, Cristina; Abián-Vicén, Javier; Soriano, Lidon; Ruiz, Diana; Gallo, César; Lara, Beatriz; Calleja-Gonzalez, Julio

Purpose: This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of compression stockings to prevent muscular damage and preserve muscular performance during a half-ironman triathlon. Methods: Thirty-six experienced triathletes volunteered for this study. Participants were matched for age, anthropometric data and training status and placed into the experimental group ( N = 19; using ankle-to-knee graduated compression stockings) or control group ( N = 17; using regular socks). Participants competed in a half-ironman triathlon celebrated at 29 ± 3 °C and 73 ± 8 % of relative humidity. Race time was measured by means of chip timing. Pre- and post-race, maximal height and leg muscle power were measured during a countermovement jump. At the same time, blood myoglobin and creatine kinase concentrations were determined and the triathletes were asked for perceived exertion and muscle soreness using validated scales. Results: Total race time was not different between groups (315 ± 45 for the control group and 310 ± 32 min for the experimental group; P = 0.46). After the race, jump height (−8.5 ± 3.0 versus −9.2 ± 5.3 %; P = 0.47) and leg muscle power reductions (−13 ± 10 versus −15 ± 10 %; P = 0.72) were similar between groups. Post-race myoglobin (718 ± 119 versus 591 ± 100 μg/mL; P = 0.42) and creatine kinase concentrations (604 ± 137 versus 525 ± 69 U/L; P = 0.60) were not different between groups. Perceived muscle soreness (5.3 ± 2.1 versus 6.0 ± 2.0 arbitrary units; P = 0.42) and the rating of perceived effort (17 ± 2 versus 17 ± 2 arbitrary units; P = 0.58) were not different between groups after the race. Conclusion: Wearing compression stockings did not represent any advantage for maintaining muscle function or reducing blood markers of muscle damage during a triathlon event.

MUSCLE strength; TRIATHLON; BLOOD testing; MYOGLOBIN; MUSCULOSKELETAL system physiology

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2014, Vol 114, Issue 3, p587

1439-6319

Academic Journal

10.1007/s00421-013-2789-2