This study examined the effects of lower-body compression garments worn during anaerobic and repeated-effort performance in basketball athletes. In a randomised, crossover design, 20 trained, male basketball athletes (mean ± SD age: 22 ± 5 years) performed a control (CON, loose-fitting clothing) and experimental trial (COMP, lower-body compression garments) where they completed dynamic, intense exercise, including a Margaria-Kalamen stair climb test (SCT) and countermovement jumps pre and post a basketball exercise simulation test (BEST). There were no significant condition (CON v COMP) x time (pre and post BEST) interactions for any measures (p > 0.05). There was a small (d = 0.21 - 0.34) difference in SCT power both pre and post BEST, in favour of COMP over CON. During the BEST, there was a significant (p = 0.03), small (d = -0.37) difference between trials in average repeated-sprint time in favour of COMP, but no differences for any other measures. Compression garments were associated with small improvements in lower-body power during a stair-climb task and faster 6-m sprint times during a basketball-specific exercise circuit but did not benefit other performance measures or allow for maintenance of performance in trained basketball athletes.
© Copyright 2021 The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science. Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand. All rights reserved.