Compression apparel does not have an acute effect on quadriceps strength but is associated with changes in muscle activation patterns

BACKGROUND: The mechanism by which increased compression affects muscle strength and electromyographic (EMG) time/frequency domain behavior during prolonged muscle actions has yet to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of compression on quadriceps strength and endurance and EMG amplitude/frequency of the quadriceps during repeated concentric muscle contractions. METHODS: Twelve healthy male athletes executed 25 maximal repeated isokinetic knee extensions in compression garment (CG) and control condition (CC) at 60 and 300 ◦ /s on a dynamometer. The EMG time and frequency domain behavior of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis were collected synchronously. RESULTS: Compression exerted no significant effect on peak moment and total work during the isokinetic contractions. By contrast, the overall EMG root mean square amplitude was significantly lower ( p< 0.05) in CG than in CC while the EMG mean power frequency of the RF and VL was significantly higher ( p< 0.05) in CG than in CC at 60 ◦ /s. CONCLUSION: The described effects may potentially improve muscle endurance and fatigue resistance during prolonged muscle actions.