RUNNING

New research proves that wearing Skins A400 long tights improves running endurance performance

By Passion PR

A new study into running efficiency and performance has scientifically confirmed the benefits of wearing SKINS sports compression during endurance-based activity.

The full findings, which will be submitted for publication in April, confirmed a measurable improvement in runners wearing the latest SKINS’ A400 Dynamic Gradient Compression long tights during fixed intensity running in laboratory conditions.

The independent study was conducted by the University of Essex Human Performance Unit and commissioned by SKINS as part of its product innovation and technology programme. The results have definitively identified a proven benefit in running economy when wearing the new SKINS A400 compression long tights*.

Running economy can be defined as the energy required to run at a set speed and is determined by measuring oxygen uptake (VO2) in laboratory conditions. The research concluded that during steady running at a fixed intensity of 60% VO2 max, running economy was significantly improved when wearing correctly fitted SKINS compression long tights compared to wearing only running shorts.

Nick Morgan, Director, Sports Integrated said: “Running economy is demonstrated to be a strong predictor of endurance performance, and a better predictor than VO2 max. Put simply, the lower the running economy, the better the endurance athlete.

“Previous studies have shown that an alteration in running technique could be created by the use of compression wear but the results of this recent study demonstrate the benefits of compression on endurance performance. When wearing correctly fitted SKINS A400 long tights the runners used less energy at a sub maximal speed (speed consistent with running mid to long distance), compared to when they were wearing only running shorts. In a nutshell, they were more economical and more efficient.”

 Nic Tierney, Design and Development Director at SKINS said: “It’s widely accepted that runners who are more economical during endurance exercise have the ability to push harder or run longer. This study has scientifically proven the benefits of SKINS’ A400 Dynamic Gradient Compression Technology. Between them, the reduced muscle vibration and the cardiovascular benefits of improved circulation promote better running economy. So, wearing SKINS A400 means better endurance performance.”

How does SKINS compression improve running economy?

The key drivers behind improvements in running economy can include one or a combination of:

• Enhanced muscle stimulation
• Reduced muscle vibration
• Enhanced running technique / posture
• Improved circulation, coupled with reduced muscle vibration promotes a lower energy expenditure at a given sub-maximal speed

* A comprehensive version of the study and full references, can be found at: skins.net

SKINS - It’s equipment, not clothing.


Study Profile

Running economy (RE) is determined by measuring oxygen uptake (VO2) in steady-state conditions. RE has been demonstrated to be a better predictor of performance than maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max). In athletes who have a similar VO2 max, RE is closely associated with performance since a good RE would reduce the % of VO2 max required to maintain a given mechanical load

The results of the study by University of Essex Human Performance Unit demonstrated that RE was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in runners wearing correctly fitted compression tights when compared with running shorts.

Increased proprioception and muscle coordination have also been suggested as possible mechanisms to explain a reduced metabolic cost of running when wearing compression tights.

During low-moderate intensity exercise, reduced vibration of the muscles has been reported as a result of wearing compression clothing. Consequently, cardiorespiratory and metabolic demands are decreased.

 
ABOUT SKINS – A BRAND BORN OUT OF AMBITION

In 1996 a keen Aussie skier had a bold ambition – to develop a garment that would improve sports performance and aid recovery. Consulting with NASA scientists and other experts, it took five years of design, testing and finessing before the first pair of SKINS tights were launched in Australia in 2002.

Word spread fast that SKINS help you perform better and recover faster. Basically, they make you feel like a super hero – and look a bit like one too.  Pro athletes were the first to get into them and before long amateur athletes joined the party.

The company has grown rapidly over the last decade, and continues to lead the innovation of the sports performance category it created, but our attitude has not changed a bit. SKINS’ mission is simple: to radically improve the world of sport, one pair of tights at a time. Let’s face it, when you’ve got a product that’s scientifically proven by numerous independent studies, you just say it how it is. No hype required.

Nowadays, SKINS’ global headquarters sit in Switzerland but our Aussie roots remain with a regional office in Sydney.  Global growth has also seen regional offices open in the UK, USA, France, Germany and China and we have a distributor network that spans every major region around the globe.

Check out skins.net for detailed information.