The study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research aimed to analyze the effects of chronic use of compression garments (CG) during a 6-week plyometric training program on soccer players. The researchers hypothesized that CG would enhance training adaptations compared to a placebo (PLA).
Eighteen male soccer players, aged approximately 19.5 years, from a reserve team of an elite professional club participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to receive either CG or PLA for 24 hours following each plyometric session. The training program consisted of two sessions per week over the 6-week period.
Before and after the training program, the players were assessed in a fully rested state on various performance parameters, including countermovement jump performance, one-leg sprint power, knee extensor strength, pennation angle of the calf muscles, creatine kinase levels, and perceived muscle soreness.
The results indicated a moderate, significant improvement in countermovement jump performance in the CG group, with a standardized mean difference (effect size) of d = 0.762. In contrast, the PLA group showed a small, nonsignificant improvement (d = 0.344). Additionally, one-leg power performance demonstrated a large, significant improvement in the CG group (d = 1.690) and a smaller but notable improvement in the PLA group (d = 0.867).
Overall, the findings suggest that the chronic use of CG for recovery does not negatively impact training adaptations and may enhance power following a plyometric training program. This research contributes to the understanding of how compression garments can be utilized in athletic training.
What this study does not show
This study does not establish a direct causal relationship between the use of compression garments and improved athletic performance, nor does it address long-term effects beyond the 6-week training period.
Evidence scorecard
- Analytic validity: established
- Clinical validity: established
- Clinical utility: established