Abstract
To evaluate the effects of custom-fitted compression garments (CG) on recovery from muscle damage in rugby players. Forty-five players were tested for lower-body strength, power, and indices of muscle damage before completing a damaging protocol (20 × 20-m sprints with 5-m deceleration, 100 drop jumps). Players were randomly assigned to wear either custom-fitted (CF, n = 13), or standard-sized CG (SSG, n = 16), or to receive sham ultrasound therapy (CON, n = 16) immediately after exercise. Players were retested immediately, then after 24 and 48 hours. Strength recovery was significantly different between groups (F = 2.7, p = 0.02), with only CF recovering to baseline values by 48 hours (p = 0.973). Time 3 condition effects were also apparent for creatine kinase activity (x2 = 30.4, p< 0.001) and midthigh girth (F = 3.7, p = 0.005), with faster recovery apparent in CF compared with both CON and SSG (p< 0.05). Custom-fitted CG improved strength recovery and indices of muscle damage in rugby players, compared with controls and standard-sized garments. Athletes and coaches would be advised to use appropriately fitted CG to enhance strength recovery after damaging exercise.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 212-219 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association
Keywords
- Athlete
- Rugby
- Strength
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation