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Effect of lower limb compression on blood flow and performance in elite wheelchair rugby athletes
Abstract

Effect of lower limb compression on blood flow and performance in elite wheelchair rugby athletes

Joanna M Vaile, Matthew Driller, Brad Stefanovic and Christopher D Askew
Proceedings of the 6th Exercise & Sports Science Australia Conference and Sports Dietitions Australia Update
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Conference and Sports Dietitians Australia Update: Research into Practice, 6th (Adelaide, Australia, 10-Apr-2014–12-Apr-2014)
2014
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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science blood flow lower limb compression
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of lower limb compression garments worn during exercise on physiological responses and performance in elite wheelchair rugby athletes. Ten well trained male competitive wheelchair rugby athletes with cervical spinal cord injury completed two exercise trials. Each trial was separated by 24 hrs and consisted of 4×8 min bouts of court-laps at 85% of each individual's maximum. In a randomised crossover design, during one of the trials participants wore medical grade (II) compression socks on both legs (COMP), the other trial was a control condition where no compression was worn (CON). Physical performance was assessed by maximal sprint time, measured at baseline and immediately following each exercise bout, as well as average lap time during each bout. Resting limb blood flow, measured using strain gauge plethysmography, core body temperature, heart rate, and perceived ratings of effort and thermal strain were measured in response to each exercise bout. Average lap time for each bout was maintained throughout the compression trial, however, in the control trial a significant decrease in performance was observed during the fourth bout (mean±SD: CON 26.64±3.71 s; COMP 24.77±2.81 s, p less than 0.05). Maximal sprint time declined following the first bout, however there was no difference between conditions. Leg blood flow increased with exercise by the same magnitude during both conditions (baseline: CON 3.46±2.29; COMP 3.37±1.74, post-exercise: CON 5.66±3.28; COMP 5.88±2.47 ml/100ml/min), whereas immediately post-exercise, arm blood flow was greater during the compression trial compared to control (CON 19.01±5.05; COMP 21.95±8.50 ml/100ml/min, p less than 0.05). During the exercise trials, values for heart rate, core temperature, and perceptual responses all increased from baseline, however there were no significant differences between conditions. These findings indicate that lower limb compression garments worn during exercise may be an effective intervention for maintaining performance during wheelchair exercise, and this performance benefit appears to be associated with alterations in upper limb blood flow.

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