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

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.