Association of Lower Limb Compression Garments During High-Intensity Exercise with Performance and Physiological Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Although compression garments are used to improve sports performance, methodological approaches and the direction of evidence regarding garments for use in high-intensity exercise settings are diverse.

Objectives

Our primary aim was to summarize the association between lower-limb compression garments (LLCGs) and changes in sports performance during high-intensity exercise. We also aimed to summarize evidence about the following physiological parameters related to sports performance: vertical jump height (VJ), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), submaximal oxygen uptake (VO₂submax), blood lactate concentrations ([La]), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, 6–20 Borg scale).

Methods

We searched electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) and reference lists for previous reviews. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials with athletes or physically active subjects (≥ 18 years) using any type of LLCG during high-intensity exercise. The results were described as weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

The 23 included studies showed low statistical heterogeneity for the pooled outcomes. We found that LLCGs yielded similar running performance to controls (50–400 m: WMD 0.06 s [95% CI − 1.99 to 2.11]; 800–3000 m: WMD 6.10 s [95% CI − 7.23 to 19.43]; > 5000 m: WMD 1.01 s [95% CI − 84.80 to 86.82]). Likewise, we found no evidence that LLCGs were superior in secondary outcomes (VJ: WMD 2.25 cm [95% CI − 2.51 to 7.02]; VO₂max: WMD 0.24 mL.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹ [95% CI − 1.48 to 1.95]; VO₂submax: WMD − 0.26 mL.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹ [95% CI − 2.66 to 2.14]; [La]: WMD 0.19 mmol/L [95% CI − 0.22 to 0.60]; RPE: WMD − 0.20 points [95% CI − 0.48 to 0.08]).

Conclusions

LLCGs were not associated with improved performance in VJ, VO₂max, VO₂submax, [La], or RPE during high-intensity exercise. Such evidence should be taken into account when considering using LLCGs to enhance running performance.

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