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

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000287 · Published: January 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Orthopedics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how compression socks affect blood flow and exercise in wheelchair rugby players. These athletes often have spinal cord injuries that impact their circulation and body temperature control. The researchers compared the athletes' performance with and without compression socks during a simulated game. They measured things like blood flow, heart rate, and how tired the athletes felt. The results showed that compression socks helped the athletes maintain their performance better during the game. This might be because the socks improved blood flow to their arms.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Ten national representative male wheelchair rugby athletes with cervical spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Level II; Randomized crossover design

Key Findings

1
Compression socks helped maintain average lap time during submaximal exercise compared to the control condition.
2
Upper limb blood flow increased more significantly from pre- to post-exercise with compression compared to the control condition.
3
The improvement in arm blood flow was correlated with better maintenance of performance (average lap time).

Research Summary

The study investigated the effects of compression socks on performance and physiological responses in elite wheelchair rugby athletes during exercise. The findings suggest that compression socks worn during exercise can effectively maintain submaximal performance in wheelchair exercise. The performance benefit may be associated with increased upper limb blood flow, indicating a more efficient distribution of blood flow to working muscles.

Practical Implications

Performance Enhancement

Compression socks may be a practical intervention to help wheelchair rugby athletes maintain their performance during sustained exercise.

Blood Flow Management

Compression socks can improve blood flow to the upper limbs during exercise, which is crucial for athletes with impaired lower limb circulation.

Thermal Regulation

Compression socks did not negatively impact core body temperature or thermal comfort, suggesting they can be used safely in warm conditions.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in warm environmental conditions, and the effects of compression socks may differ in cooler environments.
2
The sample size was relatively small (ten participants), which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
3
The study did not investigate central cardiovascular dynamics (e.g., stroke volume, cardiac output), which could provide further insights into the mechanisms underlying the observed performance benefits.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury