Gothenburg [Sweden]Dec 10 (ANI): Although runners often wear compression stockings, there is no evidence to support the claim that it is beneficial for them.
Running reduces muscle oxygenation in the lower leg of the stocking wearer. A doctoral thesis from Gothenburg University in Sweden shows this.
In advertising aimed at runners, compression socks are claimed to have several benefits that increase performance and endurance during exercise. Exercise compression stockings are said to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle damage, with reduced muscle soreness as a result.
“There have been some studies in the past on the effect of compression stockings, but the results have been contradictory. Our study is the first in which the intramuscular oxygenation and pressure have been measured before, during and after running,” says Sophia Halldin Lindorsson, specialist in orthopedics and doctor at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, who wrote the thesis.
In the study, 20 experienced runners ran 10 kilometers (about 6.3 miles) on a treadmill. The test was carried out on two occasions, once with compression stockings and once without. All runners thus served as their own controls. During the run, a catheter was used to record the intramuscular pressure in the front muscle of the lower leg and local oxygenation in the muscle was measured with sensors on the skin.
Evidence of improved performance is lacking As soon as study participants put on compression stockings, a clear increase in pressure in the lower leg muscles was noted. During the run with compression stockings, their average intramuscular pressure was 22 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) higher, while their muscle oxygenation was 11 percent lower than during the run without compression stockings.
The study also measured myoglobin and creatine kinase, two markers of muscle damage that are measured in the blood.
“We took blood samples both before and after the running sessions and could not see any reduction in muscle damage markers when the runners wore compression stockings. This finding, together with the reduced oxygenation in the muscles, supports previous theories that compression stockings have no performance-enhancing effect in healthy people,” says Halldin Lindorsson .
Medical compression stockings are another type and for these there is, however, good scientific evidence that they help certain patient groups. Increased pressure in the leg maintains venous blood flow, prevents blood clots and counteracts swelling.
Treatable pain in the lower leg that many suffer. The thesis contains three additional studies, all of which treat intramuscular pressure in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome. The syndrome occurs when the pressure in the lower leg muscles rises to an abnormally high level during exercise, which leads to swelling of the muscles, pain and reduced function. The pain occurs during activity, usually on the front of the lower legs.
“Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a painful condition that many people probably suffer from without knowing. It is also often missed when they see the doctor, probably because the pain disappears with rest,” says Halldin Lindorsson.
“I have met many patients who have had lower leg pain from exertion for as long as they can remember and thought they had to live with it. But there is an operation that helps, and my research has shown that treatment gives good results. If more people felt to this diagnosis, many of them would be spared unnecessary suffering, says Halldin Lindorsson. (ANI)
Source: sn.dk