Brandon and Boileau (1992) report that there is a relationship between maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and middle distance running performance. Furthermore, Brandon (1995) reports that the relationship is stronger in 1,500 m and 3,000 m compared to 800 m. Thomas et al. (2004) suggest that performance is related to amplitude of VO2 kinetics and that amplitude is limited by VO2max. VO2max is a key indicator of cardio-respiratory fitness and is limited by the ability of the cardio-respiratory system to delivery oxygen to the working muscles (Basset & Howley, 2000). Furthermore, it is purported that the key variable for improving VO2max is increased blood flow to working muscles (Saltin & Calbet, 2006). Mechanisms that determine VO2 in the transition from rest to exercise are difficult to specify, although, it is postulated that fitness, oxygen intake, muscle fibre composition, venous hemodynamics, muscular metabolism and oxygen delivery are factors that influence VO2 kinetics (Hughson, 2009).
Compression has been used to manage a range of medical conditions through increasing blood flow and management of venous stasis (MacRae, Cotter, & Laing, 2011). The use of compression has extended to the sporting environment, with commercially available compression garments purported to elicit physiological and ergogenic benefits that include increased blood flow and muscle oxygenation and reduced muscle oscillation (MacRae et al., 2011). However, scientific evidence to support such claims is inconsistent or inconclusive (MacRae et al., 2011). Therefore, there is a need to investigate if lower body compression garments improve performance, through increased blood flow and faster VO2 kinetics, during middle distance running events.
