Differences in Rectus Femoris Activation Among Skaters Wearing Fabric Speed Skating Suits with Different Levels of Compression

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate how different levels of compression exerted on the femoral region (known as the power zone) by coated fabric influences the activation and anaerobic capacity of the rectus femoris. Method: Three different levels of compression on the rectus femoris of the participants, namely 0% (normal condition), 9% (downsize), and 18% (downsize), were tested. The material of the fabric used in this study was nonfunctional polyurethane. Surface electromyography test was used to investigate the activation of the rectus femoris, while the isokinetic test (Cybex, 60°/sec) and Wingate test were used to investigate the maximum anaerobic power. Results: The different compression levels (0%, 9%, and 18%) did not improve the strength and anaerobic capacity of the knee extensor. However, knee flexor interfered with activation of the biceps femoris, which is an agonist for flexion, during 18% compression. Conclusion: Compression garments might improve the stretch shortening cycle effect at the time of eccentric contraction and during transition from eccentric to concentric contraction. Therefore, future studies are required to further investigate these findings.