Author(s): HOSEONG, L., AHRAM, K.1, MYEONGHO, C.2, JAEGWANG, L.1, CHEOLHO, K.1, JISUK, C.3, Institution: DANKOOK UNIVERSITY, Country: KOREA, SOUTH, Abstract-ID: 766

INTRODUCTION:
Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage (EIMD) is a well-documented physiological response to eccentric contraction exercises, which has been shown to result in a reduction in muscle force production, an increase in muscle soreness, and elevated inflammatory responses [1]. The use of compression stockings (CS) as a recovery aid has been proposed, with the hypothesis that they enhance blood circulation, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and soreness. However, the effectiveness of CS in reducing muscle damage markers and enhancing functional recovery remains to be fully clarified. The present study aims to examine the effects of wearing compression stockings on muscle soreness, limb circumference, range of motion (ROM), and manual muscle strength (MMT) in healthy males.
METHODS:
Fifteen healthy male participants were divided into two groups: the compression stockings group (CSG, n=7) and the control group (CON, n=8). Assessments included body composition analysis, muscle soreness using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), calf circumference (CIR), ROM, and MMT. Participants performed a 30-minute bench step exercise to induce EIMD, and measurements were taken pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and at 12, 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hours post-exercise.
RESULTS:
Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects for group and time (p < .05) on VAS scores, indicating that the CSG group experienced a significantly greater reduction in post-exercise muscle soreness than the CON group. Post-hoc analysis showed that VAS scores were significantly lower in the CSG group at 12-, 24-, and 48-hours post-exercise (p < .05, respectively). MMT and ROM also demonstrated significantly faster recovery trends in the CSG group, particularly after 48 hours (p < .05, respectively). However, no significant differences were found in calf and thigh circumference changes between groups (p > .05).
CONCLUSION:
These findings indicate that wearing compression stockings effectively reduces post-exercise muscle soreness and accelerates muscle strength recovery. The results suggest that compression stockings may enhance blood circulation and facilitate metabolic waste removal, leading to faster functional recovery. However, their effect on reducing swelling was not significant. Given the growing interest in recovery interventions among athletes, these findings align with previous research demonstrating that external compression garments can aid in muscle recovery and performance enhancement [2]. Future research should explore the long-term impact of compression stockings on various exercise modalities and athletic populations.