Changes in tissue oxygen saturation with calf compression sleeve: before, during and after a cycling exercise

Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in tissue oxygen saturation (StO(2)) with calf compression sleeves, before, during and after a cycling exercise. Methods. Eleven athletes came to the laboratory two times, to complete the same session with or without calf compression sleeves, in a randomized order. The session included a 15-min incremental cycling exercise: 3 min at each intensity - 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 W, preceded (baseline) and followed (recovery) by a 10-min period at rest in seated position. Calf StO(2) was recorded using near infrared spectroscopy during the three last min of the baseline period, during the cycling exercise and during the recovery period. Results. Baseline StO(2) was significantly increased with the compression sleeves (P<0.001; +24.8 +/- 3.5%). During the cycling exercise, StO(2) was significantly increased with the compression sleeves only at 40 W (P<0.05; +8.2 +/- 3.7%) and 80 W (P<0.05; +7.9 +/- 3.7%). At 120 W (P=0.23; +5.0 +/- 4.0%),160 W (P=0.38; +3.9 +/- 4.1 %) and 200 W (P=0.81; -0.1 +/- 4.9%), no significant difference was found with compression sleeves. During the recovery period, StO(2) was significantly increased with the compression sleeves (1 to 10 min: P<0.001; +10.5 +/- 1.3%). Conclusion. This study shows that wearing calf compression sleeves increases StO(2) at rest (before and after an exercise) and at low intensities in cycling (40 W and 80 W). At high intensities (120 W and more), compression sleeves is not useful to increase StO(2).