Below is an interesting study regarding the potential benefits of products providing Sequential Pulse Compression – such as the NormaTec PULSE 2.0 system – and their effects on the lower extremities when utilized as a recovery tool.

Kelly A. Brock, Lindsey E. Eberman, Richard H. Laird IV, David J. Elmer and Kenneth E. Games

Context: Several interventions are available to reduce the intensity and duration of the unwanted effects (e.g., muscle soreness) associated with physical activity, such as massage, compression garments, and sequential pulse compression (SPC). Such interventions aim to increase blood flow to alleviate symptoms. However, there is a lack of evidence to support the use of SPC to alter total hemoglobin concentration (THb) in active individuals.

Objective: To examine the acute effects of a single session of SPC on hemoglobin concentration compared with a control condition.

Design: Single cohort, crossover design.

Participants: 34 physically active and healthy participants (females = 12 and males = 22) completed the study.

Interventions: The authors randomly assigned participants to first receive the experimental (SPC) or control condition. Measures were recorded precondition and postcondition. Participants returned to the laboratory to complete the second condition ≥24 hours after the first condition.

Main Outcome Measures: Relative changes in THb, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and oxygenated hemoglobin measures were recorded using near-infrared spectroscopy placed on the muscle belly of the medial gastrocnemius of the dominant limb.

Results: SPC significantly increased THb (P < .001, d = 0.505) and oxygenated hemoglobin (P < .001, d = 0.745) change scores compared with the control condition. No statistical difference in deoxygenated hemoglobin change scores was found between the SPC and control conditions, but a medium effect size suggests potential biological significance (P = .06, d = 0.339).

Conclusions: Overall, SPC increases THb to the lower-extremity and may be a viable option in the management of muscle soreness related to physical activity.

For more info on products mentioned in this article or for info on current product specials, please contact your personal MeyerDC Account Manager.

If you don’t know who your Account Manager is, please call 800.472.4221 to find out.