Effect of compression wear on oxygen uptake and heart rate

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the effects of wearing compression wear on oxygen uptake and heart rate. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects consisted of 26 healthy men. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was carried out while the subjects used a treadmill, and oxygen uptake, heart rate, the respiratory exchange ratio, and respiratory rate were measured under two conditions of not wearing any clothing and wearing compression wear. [Results] The heart rates (beats/min) prior to, during, and following the cardiopulmonary exercise testing were 84.4 ± 11.8, 156.9 ± 12.3, and 110.2 ± 22.1, respectively, in the naked group and 81.2 ± 11.9, 151.7 ± 14.7, and 102.0 ± 10.4, respectively, in the compression wear group, with a significantly lower rate observed in the latter group. No significant difference was observed between the wearing conditions in terms of oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, or respiratory rate. [Conclusion] Compression wear was found not to affect oxygen uptake; however, it decreased the heart rate during exercise.