The effects of lower-body compression garments on recovery between exercise bouts in highly-trained cyclists
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
The use of compression garments as a recovery strategy has become popular amongst athletes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of lower-body compression garments on recovery between two cycling bouts. Ten highly-trained cyclists (mean ± SD; age = 31 ± 6 years; height = 181 ± 6 cm; mass = 75.9 ± 5.9 kg; VO2peak = 66.6 ± 3.8 mL.kg.-1min.-1) performed two 30-minute cycling bouts (15-minutes at a fixed power output, 15-minute time-trial) on a cycle ergometer, separated by a 60-minute passive recovery period where either lower-body compression garments (LBCG) or loose-fitting shorts (CON) were worn. Subject’s performed both trials in a randomized, crossover design separated by three days. Blood lactate, leg girths and perceived soreness was measured throughout the recovery period. Results indicated a small but significant improvement (P < 0.05) in recovery as evidenced by the maintenance of power output in the second exercise bout in the LBCG trial when compared to the CON trial (-0.20% and -2.15%, respectively. Effect Size (ES); 0.22). LBCG were also associated with significant reductions in limb girths and blood lactate concentration when compared to CON. While not statistically significant, there was a moderate effect on perceived soreness in the LBCG trial (ES; -0.62). We would suggest that lower-body compression garments enhance recovery between cycling bouts and improve subsequent performance.
Authors and Affiliations
Matthew W Driller*| Australian Institute of Sport, Australia, Shona L Halson| Australian Institute of Sport, Australia
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2814
- DOI -
- Views 409
- Downloads 30
Reproducibility of a Laboratory Based 1-km Wattbike Cycling Time Trial in Competitive Cyclists
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a 1-km cycling time trial using a Wattbike cycling ergometer in competitive cyclists. Ten competitive male cyclists (mean ± SD; 63.9 ± 5.1 mL·kg-1·min-1) perfo...
Low dose fish oil increases the omega-3 index improving cycling efficiency and heart rate recovery
Background: Dietary fish oil provides long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The heart (Charnock et al., 1986: Annals of Nutrition and Met...
Comparison of power output demands for a top-10 ranking between Tour de France and Vuelta a España
Background: Grand Tours (GT) are extreme endurance cycling events with about 3500 km covered in twenty-one stages during three weeks. Using the heart rate measurement, Lucia et al. (Lucia et al., 2003: Medicine & Science...
Lactate dynamics of mountain bikers in a laboratory performance diagnostic
Caused by a multitude of climbs and downhill sections, as well as overtaking manoeuvres, intense intermitted physiological demands are characteristic for mountain bike marathon and cross country competitions. Consequentl...
The effects of block training periodization on pacing during 20-km cycling time trial
Several studies have been proposed to accumulate consecutive days (5 to 14 days) of high intensity interval training (HIT) to rapidly enhance physiological indexes, alpine sky performance and cycling performance. The co...