Leg compressions improve ventilatory efficiency while reducing peak and post exercise blood lactate, but does not improve perceived exertion, exercise economy or aerobic exercise capacity in endurance-trained runners

Purpose The objective of this study was to determine if leg compressions would alter cardiorespiratory and perceived exertion measures during rest, submaximal and maximal exercise in endurance-trained runners. Method Thirteen young, endurance trained runners (10 males, 20.9 ± 3y, 58.9 ± 5.7 ml kg min⁻¹) completed a randomized design, leg compressions and non-compression control condition. The incremental graded exercise test consisted of baseline rest and submaximal intensities at 23%, 70%, 75%, 85% and then a progressive increase to 100% VO₂max. Running economy (RE), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), breathing rate (BR), heart rate (HR), ventilation (VE), blood lactate, VO₂max and ventilatory efficiency (VE/VO₂) were the primary outcome variables. Results Relative to the control condition, VO₂ at rest, during submaximal and at max were not different. Additionally, RE, RPE, BR, and HR were similar under both conditions. Leg compressions reduced lactate at VO₂max by 11% (P < 0.05) and at 10 min post-exercise recovery by 18% (P < 0.01). Additionally, peak VE was significantly reduced in the compression condition by 8% (P < 0.0001) relative to the control condition. Ventilatory efficiency was improved in compressions compared to control condition at 85 and 100% VO₂max (condition × time interaction, P < 0.0001). Conclusion These data suggest that leg compressions do not alter RE, RPE, BR, HR, or VO₂, during exercise. However, compressions may be beneficial for submaximal and maximal ventilatory efficiency while improving lactate clearance at VO₂max and during recovery in trained runners.