Effets d'une compression élastique portée au cours et au décours du Trail des Forts de Besançon

Objective The aim was to determine the effects of elastic compression (EC) worn during and after the Trail des Forts of Besançon on the trailers' recovery. Methods EC (calf and thigh) was worn during the trail race and during the three next days on one leg. The other leg was the control condition. Twelve subjects were recruited. Three unilateral counter movement jumps, a measure of the pain pressure threshold at the level of the gastrocnemius muscle and the medial quadriceps, an evaluation of the muscle tensions by muscular palpation of the calf and the thigh and a measure of the calf and thigh circumferences were realized without EC before, just after the trail race and after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. The operators did not know from which side EC was worn. Results EC reduced the leg swelling (P < 0.05). EC also decreased the muscle tenderness and tensions (P < 0.05 or tendency) and tended to reduce the decrease of the muscle performance immediately after the trail and during the next days. Level of evidence II.