Custom fitted compression garments enhance recovery from muscle damage in rugby players

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of custom fitted compression garments (CG) on recovery from muscle damage in rugby players. METHODS: Forty-five players were tested for lower body strength, power, and indices of muscle-damage before completing a damaging protocol (20 x 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 received sham ultrasound therapy (CON, n = 16) immediately post-exercise. Players were re-tested immediately, then after 24 h and 48 h. RESULTS: Strength recovery was significantly different between groups (F = 2.7, p = 0.02), with only CF recovering to baseline values by 48 h (p = 0.973). Time x condition effects were also apparent for creatine kinase activity (χ2 = 30.4, p < 0.001) and mid-thigh girth (F = 3.7, p = 0.005), with faster recovery apparent in CF compared to both CON and SSG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Custom fitted CG improved strength recovery and indices of muscle damage in rugby players, compared to controls and standard sized garments. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Athletes and coaches would be advised to use appropriately fitted CG to enhance strength recovery following damaging exercise.