Recovery and performance responses to compression garments in short-track speed skaters during a 5-day training camp

Purpose: Research shows that compression garments can improve perceived recovery, especially for delayed-onset muscle soreness. However, most studies focus on acute effects. This study examined consecutive compression garment use during a short track speed skating camp. Methods: Twenty-two male short track speed skaters (17.3 ± 1.2 years) were assigned to a compression stockings (CGs) group that wore CGs between sessions or a control (CON) group that followed the same training without compression. Daily measures included training load (session RPE), readiness to train, countermovement jump height, and sleep (hours and scores). The athlete recovery stress scale (ARSS) was assessed on Day 1 and Day 5. Linear mixed model compared group differences over time. Results: The ARSS showed interaction effects for mental performance capability (MPC) (β = 3.806, p < 0.001) and physical performance capability (PPC) (β = 2.222, p = 0.050), indicating different changes over time between groups. Post hoc results revealed larger reductions in MPC and PPC from Day 1 to Day 5 in the CGs group than in CON. In sensitivity analyses adjusting for cumulative training load, PPC interaction effect was attenuated, whereas MPC remained statistically significant. Training load, readiness to train, CMJh, and sleep quality did not show any significant differences. Conclusion: Five consecutive days of lower-body compression garment use did not provide clear evidence of improved subjective or objective recovery outcomes in this applied training camp setting; observed changes in perceived physical and mental performance capability should be interpreted cautiously given training-load variability and incomplete exposure data.