Compression Stockings Used During Two Soccer Matches Improve Perceived Muscle Soreness and High-Intensity Performance

Influence of compression garments on proprioception: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Compression garments (CGs) are commonly used in rehabilitation and sports contexts to enhance performance and speed up recovery. Despite the growing use of CGs in recent decades, there is no unanimous consensus on their overall influence on joint proprioception. In this current meta-analysis, we aim to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the impact of CGs on joint proprioception. We conducted a literature search across seven databases and one registry. Ultimately, we included 27 studies with 671 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that wearing CGs resulted in a significant reduction in absolute error during joint position sensing (Hedges' g: -0.64, p = 0.006) as compared to no CGs. However, further analyses of variables such as constant error (p = 0.308), variable error (p = 0.541) during joint position sense tests, threshold to detect passive motion (p = 0.757), and active movement extent discrimination (p = 0.842) did not show a significant impact of CGs. The review also identified gaps in the reporting of certain outcomes, such as parameters of CGs, reporting of performance, individual-reported outcomes, and lack of placebo comparators. Consequently, this review provides guidelines for future studies that may facilitate evidence-based synthesis and ultimately contribute to a better understanding of the overall influence of CGs on joint proprioception.

Wear Trials about Comfort on Sport Compression Socks

Compression garments has emerged as an important tool in sport activity [1, 2]. In the particular case of compression socks (CS), several studies show that their use improves the fatigue recovery and prevents muscle injuries [3-6]. The aim of this research work is to perform the characterization of sports socks regarding their comfort and compression. Several parameters were monitored in volunteers during a running test. This test was performed in a non-inclined treadmill for 12 minutes at 12km/h. PicoPress equipment was used to recording the compression force; Thermodata sensors were used to monitor the temperature and humidity; Wrist pulse oximeter was used to measure the oxygen saturation and heart rate; and thermal imaging with a TESTO IR camera was used for thermal component evaluation. Wearing compression socks seem to return better conditions for comfort, muscle stability and muscle fatigue because the main conclusions of the test show that the volunteers feel better at muscle stability (MS) and no fatigue after 24 hours of running.

In-Season Nutrition Strategies and Recovery Modalities to Enhance Recovery for Basketball Players: A Narrative Review

Basketball players face multiple challenges to in-season recovery. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on recovery modalities and nutritional strategies for basketball players and practical applications that can be incorporated throughout the season at various levels of competition. Sleep, protein, carbohydrate, and fluids should be the foundational components emphasized throughout the season for home and away games to promote recovery. Travel, whether by air or bus, poses nutritional and sleep challenges, therefore teams should be strategic about packing snacks and fluid options while on the road. Practitioners should also plan for meals at hotels and during air travel for their players. Basketball players should aim for a minimum of 8 h of sleep per night and be encouraged to get extra sleep during congested schedules since back-to back games, high workloads, and travel may negatively influence night-time sleep. Regular sleep monitoring, education, and feedback may aid in optimizing sleep in basketball players. In addition, incorporating consistent training times may be beneficial to reduce bed and wake time variability. Hydrotherapy, compression garments, and massage may also provide an effective recovery modality to incorporate post-competition. Future research, however, is warranted to understand the influence these modalities have on enhancing recovery in basketball players. Overall, a strategic well-rounded approach, encompassing both nutrition and recovery modality strategies, should be carefully considered and implemented with teams to support basketball players' recovery for training and competition throughout the season.

Putting the Squeeze on Compression Garments: Current Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background

Compression garments are regularly worn during exercise to improve physical performance, mitigate fatigue responses, and enhance recovery. However, evidence for their efficacy is varied and the methodological approaches and outcome measures used within the scientific literature are diverse.

Objectives

The aim of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of compression garments on commonly assessed outcome measures in response to exercise, including: performance, biomechanical, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory, muscle damage, thermoregulatory, and perceptual responses.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and CINAHL Complete) was performed from the earliest record to 27 December, 2020.

Results

In total, 183 studies were identified for qualitative analysis with the following breakdown: performance and muscle function outcomes: 115 studies (63%), biomechanical and neuromuscular: 59 (32%), blood and saliva markers: 85 (46%), cardiovascular: 76 (42%), cardiorespiratory: 39 (21%), thermoregulatory: 19 (10%) and perceptual: 98 (54%). Approximately 85% (n = 156) of studies were published between 2010 and 2020.

Conclusions

Evidence is equivocal as to whether garments improve physical performance, with little evidence supporting improvements in kinetic or kinematic outcomes. Compression likely reduces muscle oscillatory properties and has a positive effect on sensorimotor systems. Findings suggest potential increases in arterial blood flow; however, it is unlikely that compression garments meaningfully change metabolic responses, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiorespiratory measures. Compression garments increase localised skin temperature and may reduce perceptions of muscle soreness and pain following exercise; however, rating of perceived exertion during exercise is likely unchanged. It is unlikely that compression garments negatively influence exercise-related outcomes. Future research should assess wearer belief in compression garments, report pressure ranges at multiple sites as well as garment material, and finally examine individual responses and varying compression coverage areas.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40279-021-01604-9.

Effects of 24 h Compression Interventions with Different Garments on Recovery Markers during Running

Compression and temperature manipulation are discussed as strategies to improve performance markers and recovery in sports. Here, we investigate the effects of compression stockings made with fabric, either combined or not with heating and cooling substances, on variables related to running performance and recovery. Ten trained runners (mean ± standard deviation age 45 ± 9 years old, body mass 69 ± 7 kg, height 166 ± 4 cm) with no experience of using compression garments performed an intense running session of 10 km, then wore a stocking for 24 h (randomized; without compression, compression, compression with camphor, and compression with menthol), and were evaluated on the following day, after running 5 km. The different types of compression stockings used 24 h before exercise did not affect running kinematics (p > 0.14), skin temperature (p > 0.05), heart rate (p > 0.12; mean value of maximal heart rate 156 bpm), comfort perception (p = 0.13; mean value of 7/10 points), or perception of recovery (p = 0.13; mean value of 7/10 points). In general, there were no effects of 24 h pre-exercise lower leg compression, including those treated with menthol and camphor applications on running kinematics, skin temperature, heart rate, or recovery perception in athletes undertaking consecutive running exercises.

Acute Photobiomodulation Does Not Influence Specific High-Intensity and Intermittent Performance in Female Futsal Players

The acute improvement of performance after photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been reported in different types of exercise. However, the effect on high-intensity and intermittent exercises that are relevant for team sports is unknown. Thus, we evaluated the effect of prior acute application of PBMT on high-intensity and intermittent exercise performance, muscle oxygenation, and physiological/perceptual indicators in amateur female futsal players. Thirteen players (24.1 ± 3.7 years) performed a testing battery (countermovement jump (CMJ), Illinois agility and YoYo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1)) preceded by 15 min of PBMT (1 min 30 s each muscular point; five muscular points in each lower limbs) or 15 min of placebo (SHAM), in a counterbalanced randomized cross-over design (one-week in-between PBMT/SHAM). All test performance did not differ (p > 0.05) between PBMT and SHAM, as well as blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, and muscle oxygenation (via near infrared spectroscopy) responses. The acute application of PBMT prior to a physical testing battery does not influence high-intensity and intermittent exercises performance, neither physiological nor perceptual responses in amateur female futsal players.

Is It High Time to Increase Elite Soccer Substitutions Permanently?

Rules determine how team sport matches occur. Match-induced fatigue is specific to each sport, and may be associated with injury incidence. For example, the injury rate in soccer is distinctly higher during matches than in training sessions. Understanding the differences between team sports rules might be useful for enhancing rules (e.g., safer sport). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of the rule-induced physical demands between soccer, futsal, basketball, and handball, focusing on substitution rules. Data from the elite team sports' rules (e.g., absolute and relative court dimensions; the number of players, substitutions allowed, total game time, time-outs) were collected, including the changes due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in soccer substitutions, and comparisons were performed. The data showed that soccer has higher rule-induced physical demands: e.g., substantially lower substitution rate, higher dimensions in absolute (eight to fifteen times), and relative (four to eight times) values. Simulations also showed that soccer has extremely large differences, even considering COVID-19 substitution changes (from three to up to five). We conclude that elite soccer has remarkably higher overall rule-induced physical demands than elite futsal, basketball and handball, and increasing soccer substitutions permanently (e.g., unlimited) might mitigate overall soccer demands.

Game format alters the physiological and activity demands encountered during small-sided football games in recreational players

Background

Conditioning in the form of football small-sided games (SSG) is being increasingly utilized as a health-promoting and performance-enhancing activity.

Objective

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the physiological responses and activity demands encountered during 3-a-side, 4-a-side, and 5-a-side football SSG in recreational players.

Method

Heart rate, blood lactate (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and activity demands were measured across 2 × 20-min football sessions played on a 40 × 20-m pitch in 12 recreationally active college students. Data were collected over a period of two weeks using a repeated-measures crossover design.

Results

Mean heart rate was higher (moderate) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side (p = 0.02) and 3-a-side SSG (p < 0.001). BLa tended to be higher (small) in 3-a-side compared to 4-a-side (p = 0.12) and 5-a-side SSG (p = 0.46). The total distance covered was lower (large) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side SSG (p = 0.02), while the total number of accelerations (p = 0.01) and decelerations (p = 0.02) were higher (large) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side SSG.

Conclusion

These data suggest: 1) 5-a-side SSG require a greater intermittent workload and exacerbated HR responses; 2) 4-a-side SSG require more sustained activity (distance); and 3) 3-a-side SSG result in higher BLa compared to other SSG formats. The observed intermittent workload and exacerbated HR response in 5-a-side SSG were likely due to greater turnover rates with more frequent interceptions. Sustained activity in 4-a-side SSG might be underpinned by format-specific structures permitting optimal team work, while isolated guarding of players in 3-a-side SSG may have exacerbated BLa responses.

Time Course of Recovery for Performance Attributes and Circulating Markers of Muscle Damage Following a Rugby Union Match in Amateur Athletes

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine the time course of changes in neuromuscular performance and muscle damage following a single rugby union match.

METHODS

Fourteen male amateur rugby players (28.9 ± 3.5 yrs; 1.7 ± 5.1 m; 86.1 ± 11.1 kg) participated. Plasma activity of creatine kinase ([CK]) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), L-run test (change of direction) and 30-m sprint (T30; speed) with 10-m lap time (T10; acceleration) were assessed on six occasions: one week before the match (PRE) and immediately, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-match.

RESULTS

Relative to PRE, LDH was elevated immediately post-match (+33.6% ± 13.6%; p < 0.001) and [CK] was elevated immediately (+64.1% ± 38.8%, p = 0.001) and 24 h post-match (+352% ± 317%; p = 0.024). L-run test time increased 16.0 ± 8.7% relative to PRE at 24 h post (p < 0.001) and remained elevated through 96 h post-match (p < 0.05). T10 and T30 times increased relative to PRE immediately post-match (+12.0% ± 10.4%, p = 0.008; and +6.1% ± 4.9%; p = 0.006, respectively), though T30 times were similar to baseline by 48 h post-match whereas T10 times remained elevated through 72 h post-match.

CONCLUSIONS

A single, competitive rugby union match induces significant muscle damage and performance decrements with distinct time courses of recovery in amateur athletes. Notably, change of direction attributes (i.e., L-run) appear to have the longest time course to full recovery.

Physiological responses and activity demands remain consistent irrespective of team size in recreational handball

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of team size on acute physiological, perceptual, and activity demands of recreational handball to provide a better understanding for the potential prescription of recreational handball to achieve health benefits. Active, male college students (N=22) completed 3-, 4-, and 5-a-side handball game formats across three separate sessions following a repeated-measures, crossover design. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), distance covered, and frequency of accelerations/decelerations were monitored during games. Each game format elicited vigorous intensities with a mean HR in the range 82-85%HR_max and post-game BLa in the range 3.9-4.4 mmol·L^-1. No significant differences (P>0.05) in absolute (ηp²=0.40), relative mean HR (ηp²=0.43), BLa (ηp₂=0.16), total distance (ηp₂=0.32), total accelerations (ηp²=0.23), or total decelerations (ηp₂=0.23) were observed between game formats. A significant effect was observed for RPE (ηp²=0.51), where 3-a-side games elicited a higher RPE than 5-a-side games (P=0.03, large). Modifying player number has a negligible effect on the physiological and activity demands encountered during recreational handball games. Recreational handball consisting of 3-5 players imposes similar intermittent workloads, resulting in vigorous physiological responses concomitant with those recommended for overall health improvements as part of regular training.

Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review

This systematic review investigated the effects of wearing below-knee compression stockings (CS) on exercise performance (or sports activity) and associated physiological and perceived indicators. We searched articles on PubMed using the following terms: "graduated compression stockings"; "compression stockings"; "graduated compression socks"; "compression socks" combined with "performance", "athletes", "exercise", "exercise performance", "fatigue", "sports" and "recovery", resulting in 1067 papers. After checking for inclusion criteria (e.g., original studies, healthy subjects, performance analysis), 21 studies were selected and analyzed. We conclude that wearing CS during exercise improved performance in a small number of studies. However, wearing CS could benefit muscle function indicators and perceived muscle soreness during the recovery period. Future research should investigate the chronic effect of CS on Sports Medicine and athletic performance.