COMPRESSION garments are all the rage nowadays amongst athletes as a performance enhancing garment and recovery aid. Researchers are looking for male long distance runners between the ages of 30 and 55, who want to run the Two Oceans Ultramarathon to test the usefulness of compression socks.
With endurance events such as long distance running where muscle injury and fatigue is unavoidable, it is important to investigate various recovery strategies, which would limit future injuries in athletes and indirectly improve performance.
For this reason it is essential for sport scientists to constantly investigate possible post-exercise recovery techniques and to learn as much as possible about the physiological mechanisms of various recovery strategies.
Compression stockings are a very familiar sight in the medical field and are mostly used in high risk or post-operative patients with vascular diseases and associated problems.
The socks are used to reduce swelling, maintain circulation and reduce the risks of blood clots. Compression socks have also become more popular during long flights, to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Most in-house studies claim that the rationale for applying compression socks is its proposed ability to reduce swelling via an external pressure and by reducing the space available for swelling (haemorrhage and haematoma). It can also support the muscles mechanically, by applying pressure and reducing vibration on the muscles, hereby the compression garments reduces muscle damage and increase strength, force generation and control.
It increases the circulation back to the heart (venous return) by enhancing the calf muscle-pump function (via pressure gradients), aiding recovery by reducing inflammation and accelerating muscle repair as a result of artificially improving capillary circulation.
The practical design of the socks’ materials disperses moisture and accelerates evaporation to promote cooling in warm conditions or to insulate, in the case of winter garments.
Some athletes suggest that the supportive garment makes you feel invincible and confident.
These are all important aspects for the recovery after demanding activities. In addition, compression garments are easy to use, relatively cheap and a legal ergogenic aid.
The idea to use compression garments to help runners recover is relatively new and little scientific evidence exists as to its effectiveness in sport. The limited research has lead to many anecdotal claims and uncertainty about best practices.
For this year’s research project, the main researcher, Karen Welman, is looking for male long distance runners between the ages of 30 and 55, who want to run the Two Oceans Ultramarathon.
Runners will obtain invaluable information about their fitness and performance status, as well as contribute to the development of long distance running.
To participate, contact Karen Welman at the Sport Physiology Laboratory on 021-808-2818 or email researchproject2009@gmail.com.
