Nuesser, S. (2013). The effects of compression equipment on performance and recovery in motocross. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 2138.

This project investigated the influence of compression equipment on performance and recovery in competitive motocross riders (N = 10). Ss performed a competition-like test event on two separate days. Day 1 was performed without any compression equipment. Day 2 was held one week later, wearing full-leg and arm-compression sleeves all day. Each day riders followed the test protocol: 25 minutes of warm-up on the track followed by two riding sessions (moto) of 25 minutes at individual maximum speeds. The break in-between the motos was 30 minutes. Capillary blood samples for determination of lactate and creatine kinase were taken during rest, immediately after the first and second riding sessions, and 60 minutes after the last moto. A questionnaire about muscle soreness and recovery state was completed each day.

On Day 2, lactate and creatine kinase were significantly lower after the first and second moto and 60 minutes after the last riding session (with compression equipment) when compared to Day 1 values. Responses to the muscle-soreness/recovery questionnaire supported the measured results. Ss had subjectively a 10% better state of recovery and less muscle soreness after D2 when compared to D1.

Implication. Full-leg and arm-compression sleeves had a positive effect on lactate production and creatine kinase release in motocross riders. Those two factors show a reduced muscular workload and tissue/cell damage during the motocross competition-like test protocol.

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