Is There a Role for Compression Socks in Basketball? Potential Impact on Performance.

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of wearing compression socks (CS) on perceived exertion, biochemical parameters and performance parameters in untrained females after a basketball‐simulating exercise.MethodsSeven untrained females (age 24.9 ± 0.4 years, height 161.7 ± 4.3 cm and weight 56.2 ± 7.0 kg) completed a basketball‐simulating exercise protocol on two occasions, in a random, counter‐balanced order: wearing either CS or placebo socks (PL) during exercise and recovery. Participants were requested to perform up to 6 circuits within 28 s each. Simulated basketball exercise included jogging, running, sprints, jumps, shuffles, all performed on a basketball court. Capillary blood samples were collected pre‐exercise and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 15, and 20 min post‐exercise for lactate determination. Three counter‐movement jumps (CMJ) were performed pre‐, 20 min post‐ and 72 h postexercise. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained pre‐ and immediately postexercise. Three capillary blood samples were obtained pre‐, 20 min post‐ and 72 h postexercise for the determination of creatine kinase (CK) concentration. Data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA with repeated measures for CK and CMJ and by paired t tests for RPE, lactate, comfort and tight scales.ResultsNo differences were found between CS and PL for CMJ (Figure 1, p = 0.11), CK (p = 0.31), peak postexercise lactate (p = 0.21), 20 min post‐exercise lactate (p = 0.88), RPE (p = 0.52) and comfort (p = 0.36). However, tight feeling of socks was higher in CS when compared with PL (Figure 2, p < 0.001).ConclusionDespite increased compression, CS did not exert a positive impact on RPE, lactate peak and clearance, performance or a muscle damage marker after a basketball‐simulating exercise protocol in untrained female individuals.Support or Funding InformationThe authors received no specific funding for this work.Counter‐movement jump height in compression and control groups. Values are mean ± SD.Figure 1Perceptual scales of comfort and tight feeling of socks prior to exercise between compression and control groups. Values are mean ± SD.Figure 2