EFFECTS OF ELASTIC COMPRESSION STOCKING ON LOWER LEG MUSCLE ACTIVITY DURING WALKING

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of muscle activity with and without the elastic compression stocking (ECS) with two different compression pressures during walking. Thirty healthy male subjects (age range of 21-22 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed walking on the treadmill for 45 minutes (at speed 3.5 mph, inclination 10%, including warm up at speed 2 mph for 3 min) and
wore either the ECS with compression pressure approximately 4 mmHg (P4; n=17) or 10 mmHg (P10; n=13) at the calf during exercise. Each group performed two trials, 7 days apart, with and without elastic compression stocking in a randomized manner. Before and immediately after the walking, isokinetic peak torque and the root mean square (RMS) from surface electromyography (EMG) signal of right tibialis anterior
(TA) and right medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles were recorded during isokinetic dorsi-plantar flexion for five times of maximal repetitive contractions. The results showed that the percentage peak torque of MG muscle was significantly lower when wearing the ECS compared to not wearing the ECS at pre-exercise, whereas those with and without the ECS
at post-exercise were not different. Additionally, the peak torque following walking with ECS could be maintained at the baseline because of the enhancement of the muscle pump and reduction of muscle fatigue.
However, using ECS in the present may compromise peak torque at pre-exercise especially in the MG muscle because the stiffness of the ECS might restrict joint movement and decrease muscle length.

(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2016; 16(2) : 67-77)
KEY WORDS: Elastic compression stocking, Peak torque, Isokinetic, Median frequency, Electromyography