Effect of Compression Tights on Performance during Pedalling Exercise

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of wearing tights (GCT) on performance while pedalling at moderate intensity. Six male undergraduates majored in sports science volunteered to participate in the experiments. Surface EMG were recorded at the surface of rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF) belly, tibialis anterior (TA) belly and medial gastrocnemius and the heart rate was also monitored. It was found that the gradient pressure distribution on the surface of lower limbs generated by GCT increased venous return and thus the heart output, resulted in lower heart rate and longer pedaling duration. The pressure increased the inhibition of interneurones, low-threshold motor units were inhibited, consequently, the average EMG was lower while the mean power frequency was higher for the GCT wearing condition.