Efeito agudo de meias compressivas no desempenho de futebolistas

Abstract

Although the use of compression stockings (CS) for improving soccer performance and recovery is common among players, there is no real evidence of its effectiveness during soccer matches. Thus, the current study evaluated the effect of the use of CS (20-30 mmHg) on physical performance indicators, heart rate responses and perceptual measurements of young soccer field players during two matches with a 72-hours interval between them. Two teams of ten outfield players each (18.3 ± 0.5 years) were allocated in experimental group (compression socks) or control group (common socks). The distribution of the socks was randomized and balanced in pairs per position, so that five players from each team remained in one of the groups during the matches. Measurements of match performance (total distance covered at different velocities, mean velocity, distance covered between periods and partial time) were collected through GPS system (10-Hz), as well as heart rate (HR) and perceptual scores during the two matches. The score of perceived recovery (before matches) and effort (post matches) did not differ (p > 0.05) between groups, but the CS group had a lower (p < 0.05) muscle pain score than the group control. Heart rate responses did not differ between groups and matches, but they showed high intensity (~44% of playing time between 80-89% of FCpeak), implying a high physical demand for the match. The total distance covered did not show any difference (p > 0.05) between the conditions, however between the periods (1º > 2º) and presented a reduction towards the end of the matches, being more pronounced in the control group (p < 0.05). There was a difference (p < 0.05) in the high - speed activities (zones 4 and 5) with the CS group covered higher (p < 0.05) as well as the greater number of accelerations (between -50.0 a - 3.0 m/s²) than the control group. There was a reduction in the relative distance (m/min) in both groups, with greater evidence in the control group. We concluded that the use of compression socks (CS) generated a lower sensation of muscular pain, and helped attenuating the reduction in important displacement profiles, and promoted greater distance in high intensity activities, especially in the second match.