Do full leg compression sleeves improve repeated sprint performance after soccer‐specific exercise in adolescent male soccer players?

TL;DR

This study found that wearing full-leg compression sleeves during recovery did not improve sprint performance or reduce leg soreness in young male soccer players after exercise.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the effectiveness of compression sleeves for recovery in adolescent soccer players.

Findings

Compression sleeves did not improve repeated sprint performance after recovery.

There was no significant difference in leg soreness between compression and control conditions.

The efficacy of compression garments for recovery remains inconclusive.

Abstract

This study examines the effects of full‐leg compression sleeves worn during a 90‐min recovery period on repeated sprint performance and exercise‐induced leg soreness (DOMS) in youth soccer players. Twelve male youth soccer players (17 ± 0 years; 178 ± 7 cm; 70.9 ± 7.5 kg) performed a repeated sprint protocol (5 × 30 m sprints, 20 s recovery; RSP1) followed by a modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) to induce fatigue. After the LIST, players underwent a 90‐min passive recovery wearing either full leg compression sleeves (COMP, 19–25 mmHg) or regular gym pants (CON) in a randomized crossover design. After the 90‐min recovery, all players repeated the RSP (RSP2), and exercise‐induced DOMS was assessed via a visual analogue scale 14 and 24 h post‐exercise. Mean sprint times were similar across conditions (RSP1: COMP 4.59 ± 0.16 s, CON 4.65 ± 0.18 s; RSP2: COMP 4.59 ± 0.15 s, CON 4.64 ± 0.19 s), with no significant differences between COMP and CON for performance changes (COMP: +0.01 ± 0.06 s; CON: −0.01 ± 0.05 s) or DOMS (14 h: COMP 3.49 ± 1.73, CON 4.73 ± 2.32; 24 h: COMP 2.78 ± 2.32, CON 4.04 ± 2.12). Compression garments had no impact on repeated sprint performance or exercise‐induced leg soreness. The efficacy of compression garments for recovery remains inconclusive, requiring further research.

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