Continuous compression as an effective therapeutic intervention in treating eccentric-exercise-induced muscle soreness

Context: Prior investigations using ice, massage, or exercise have not show n efficacy in relieving delayed-onset muscle soreness. Objectives: To determine whether a compression sleeve worn immediately afte r maximal eccentric exercise enhances recovery. Design: Randomized, controlled clinical study. Setting: University sports medicine laboratory. Participants: Fifteen healthy, non-strength-trained men, matched for physic al criteria, randomly placed in a control group ore continuous compression- sleeve group (CS). Methods and Measures: Subjects performed 2 sets of 50 arm curls. 1 RM elbow flexion at 60 degrees /s, upper-arm circumference, resting-elbow angle, se rum creatine kinase (CK), and perception-of-soreness data were collected be fore exercise and for 3 days. Results: CK was significantly (P <.05) elevated from the baseline value in both groups, although the elevation in the CS group was less. CS prevented loss of elbow extension, decreased subjects' perception of soreness, reduce d swelling, and promoted recovery of force production. Conclusions: Compression is important in soft-tissue-injury management.