Effects of compression socks on muscle recovery in Masters runners

Introduction: The number of Masters athletes (40 y.o.) is increasing yet few studies exist on this growing population. Compression socks are a popular recovery modality in endurance sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of compression socks on 1) perception of muscle fatigue and soreness and 2) functional recovery in Masters runners. It was hypothesized that compression socks will 1) lower perceived muscle fatigue and soreness, and 2) have no effect on functional recovery when worn for 48 hrs after exercise compared to placebo socks. Methods: 12 Masters runners with 18mo run training participated (age: 49.7+8.3 y.o.). During Visit 1, participants underwent ankle and calf circumferences, ankle range of motion (ROM) measures, completed fatigue/soreness surveys, and performed a timed 1-mile run. Then, participants completed a fatiguing protocol (6 sets, weighted calf raises to failure) and were assigned to wear either compression or placebo socks for 48 hrs. Visit 2 (48 hrs post-test) consisted of circumference/ROM measures, surveys, and 1-mile run. During Visits 3-4, participants completed the same protocols as Visit 1-2 and were assigned the sock type not previously given. Results: Right calf circumference decreased compared to the pre-test measurement when compression was worn, but not placebo (p0.05). All other measures of functional recovery, fatigue, and soreness did not reach significance. Conclusions: There was not enough evidence to support the use of compression socks as an effective form of recovery in Masters runners.