{"id":2288,"date":"2015-07-13T06:56:19","date_gmt":"2015-07-13T13:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/?p=2288"},"modified":"2015-07-13T06:56:19","modified_gmt":"2015-07-13T13:56:19","slug":"do-compression-stockings-aid-long-distance-runners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/?p=2288","title":{"rendered":"Do Compression Stockings Aid Long Distance Runners?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Manufacturers tout the benefits of compression stockings by telling runners they improving running performance via aiding or increasing venous blood return. \u00a0They assert that the compression around the calves increases the calf muscle pump mechanism thereby increasing end-diastolic volume and cardiac output during exercise and allowing for higher intensity output. \u00a0However, research to date has not supported this assertion.<\/p>\n

\"nrgrunningnegroblanconew\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Running a marathon presents a large physical challenge as a runner needs more than 30,000 foot strikes to finish a 26.2 mile race. \u00a0Studies to date have revealed that compression stockings may reduce muscular vibrations and oscillations in the calf with prolonged running. \u00a0They may also help decrease subjective feelings of pain following exercise bouts, but the use of them is still controversial as science also suggests they do not alter running performance.<\/p>\n

A recent study in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy sought to investigate the benefit of wearing graduated compression stockings for running pace, prevention of muscle damage and maintaining muscle performance during a real marathon race. \u00a0They had 34 experienced runners (running at least 5 years and completed no less than 3 marathons) take part int he study: 17 in the control group wore socks, while 17 runners wore foot-to-knee graduated compression stockings.<\/p>\n

Runners were excluded if they were on medications in the 2 weeks prior to marathon, suffered a musculoskeletal injury in the 3 months prior to competition, and not completing the marathon. \u00a0The stockings were commercially available (NRG Energy – Medilast Sport) and covered from the foot to the inferior pole of the patella with graduated pressure.<\/p>\n

Participants were given a pair of stockings 2 weeks before the marathon and encouraged to wear them at least 3x prior to race day. \u00a0Forty eight hours prior to the race a blood sample was taken, O2 saturation was measured, lower leg volume was assessed and maximum countermovement jump height was assessed. \u00a0On race day, participants wore their selected garments and were not given any instructions about food or drinking, while running at their own pace. \u00a0The same measurements taken pre-race were again measured following the race.<\/p>\n

Results<\/strong><\/p>\n