The influence of compression tights on running economy varies by relative intensity

Abstract

The effect of compression tights on running economy is unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the influence of compression tights on economy. Following an incremental test to exhaustion to determine aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) and peak running speed (vV̇O2max), twenty-six moderately endurance-trained males (28 ± 7 years; 76.1 ± 8.4 kg; V̇O2max = 54.7 ± 4.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) were allocated to either a 60% (n = 8), 62.5% (n = 9) or 65% vV̇O2max group (n = 9) using block randomisation. Participants ran for 15 min at the allocated vV̇O2max with compression tights and a non-compression control condition in a randomised, counter-balanced order, separated by seven days. Oxygen consumption (V̇O2) and expired carbon dioxide (V̇CO2) was measured to determine economy as caloric unit cost. No difference was observed between conditions for the 60% and 62.5% vV̇O2max groups, however economy was improved with compression at 65% vV̇O2max ( P < 0.01). Combined analysis of all participants revealed ΔRE (Δ = control − compression) correlated with relative aerobic capacity (%V̇O2max) ( r = 0.50, P < 0.01) but not running speed ( r = 0.04, P < 0.84). These data suggest that compression tights influence economy at 65% vV̇O2max or at relative exercise intensities of approximately 75–85%V̇O2max.