Latest:
ArticleConditioningPerformanceResearch

The effect of custom-fitted compression garments worn overnight for recovery from judo training in elite athletes

Judo Training
Spread the knowledge!

Brown, F.C.W., Hill, J.A., van Someren, K., Howatson, G. and Pedlar, C.R. (2022), The effect of custom-fitted compression garments worn overnight for recovery from judo training in elite athletes. European Journal of Sport Science, 22: 521-529.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of custom-fitted compression garments (CG) worn duringrecovery over a multi-day training camp in elite judo players (judoka). A single blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 11 elite judoka, using a two-way crossover design. Twothree-day training camps were completed in CG and placebo conditions in a random order.Changes in performance and physiological markers were compared between conditions. Judokawere assessed before training for (maximal) isometric knee extension and grip strength,countermovement jump performance and bench-press velocity, alongside soreness, limbcircumferences, plasma creatine kinase activity (CK) and perceived bruising. Measurements wererepeated after 12, 36 and 43 h of training, whereupon judoka rated the effectiveness of eachintervention. Knee extension and bench-press performance demonstrated significantfamiliarization (p< 0.001), and were excluded from subsequent analysis. Jump performance wasunaffected by training (p> 0.05). Grip strength declined throughout training (p< 0.001), withpeak decrements of−9.7% indicating mild muscle damage. Increases in bruising, CK andsoreness demonstrated highly variable, if significant (p< 0.001) responses. Although CG wereperceived as significantly more effective than placebo for recovery (p= 0.046), no effects wereobserved for any other outcome (p> 0.05). Compression conferred no statistically significantimpact upon recovery markers in elite judoka throughout training. Muscle damage responseswere inconsistent in this population. Individual athletes would be advised to monitor habitually-used performance measures while using CG to ascertain whether perceptual benefits translate into enhanced recovery.

Schematic of study design. Brown, F.C.W., Hill, J.A., van Someren, K., Howatson, G. and Pedlar, C.R. (2022), The effect of custom-fitted compression garments worn overnight for recovery from judo training in elite athletes. European Journal of Sport Science, 22: 521-529.

Highlights

  • However, no measures of performance or muscle damage were enhanced by CG.
  • Randori was associated with inconsistent muscle damage responses in elite judoka, while lower-body performance was not impaired.
  • Individual athletes would be advised to monitor habitually-used performance measures while using CG to ascertain whether perceptual benefits translate into enhanced recovery.

Download the full article HERE.

Check out our previous posts about recovery in judo.