Effect of compression stockings on cycling performance and post exercise muscle soreness in moderately trained females

Purpose: Determine effect of below knee compression stockings on metabolic and perceptual responses to cycling (i.e., BLa, HR, VO2, and RPE) in moderately-trained female cyclists. Methods: Subjects (n=12) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) on a cycle-ergometer to assess VO2peak. Subsequently, and on different days, two graded tests were administered (with, without stockings) with 5 minute warm-up at 50 W followed by 5 minute stages at 60 %, 70%, and 80% of max power output. Following the last sub-maximal stage, participants performed 3 - 5 supramaximal trials. Each lasted 30 seconds at 200% of her peak power output with HR, RPE, and BLa measured at the end of each trial. Results: No significant difference was observed between conditions for any metabolic or perceptual measure across workloads while perceived muscle soreness at 24 hours trended towards significance (p=.067). Conclusion: Compression socks did not significantly alter metabolic or perceptual responses to cycling.