Compression Shorts Improved Recovery After Trail Race
Runners who wore compression gear during a 26-kilometer race showed better muscle recovery markers than those who did not.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Running
Live Poll
Do you believe wearing compression clothing during a workout is better than wearing it for recovery?
A recent study of 56 trail runners found that wearing compression shorts during a 26-kilometer race resulted in measurable recovery benefits. Athletes who wore the garments during the event demonstrated improved jumping power compared to a control group.
Why it matters
Muscle recovery is a critical component for endurance athletes looking to maintain performance over time. This research highlights the potential for simple wearable gear to mitigate physiological strain following long-distance activity.
In a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 56 trail runners were monitored before, immediately after, and two days after a 26-kilometer race. The data indicated that compression shorts worn during the event significantly improved jumping power and lowered creatine kinase levels relative to the control group.
The players
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
A peer-reviewed publication focusing on the physiological and biomechanical aspects of athletic training and sports science.
The details
Researchers assessed recovery through countermovement and drop jumps, measuring participants' reactive strength index at three time points. Blood samples were also analyzed to track creatine kinase, a common biomarker for muscle tissue damage. While those wearing shorts during the race saw significant improvement in jumping power, wearing them only after the race did not produce statistically significant results.
Timeline
Baseline measurements were taken before the race.
Secondary measurements occurred immediately after the race.
Final assessments were conducted two days after the race.
Health Landscape
This study follows a pattern set by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research regarding evidence-based recovery strategies for endurance athletes. It contributes to the broader field of sports science focused on optimizing recovery metrics after high-intensity trail efforts.
If you are an endurance runner, this study suggests that wearing compression gear during an event may support muscle recovery markers like jumping power. Whether this gear is right for your specific training load is a detail worth discussing with your doctor or a sports physical therapist.
The takeaway
Using compression shorts during a long race may help maintain explosive power and reduce markers of muscle damage in the days that follow. Consider testing compression garments during training runs before wearing them on race day to ensure they support your comfort and movement.
Further reading
For more insights on training and recovery, visit our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Outside Online.
Live Poll
Do you believe wearing compression clothing during a workout is better than wearing it for recovery?
