Intermittent pneumatic compression effect on eccentric exercise-induced swelling, stiffness, and strength loss.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to determine if intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) affects muscle swelling, stiffness, and strength loss resulting from eccentric exercise-induced injury of the elbow flexors. We hypothesized that the compression would decrease swelling and stiffness.


METHODS
Repeated measures design with a before-after trial comparison within each day.


METHODS
Conducted at a university Somatic Dysfunction Laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty-two college women students were studied. They had not been lifting weights or otherwise participating in regular arm exercise for the 6 months before the study. They had no history of upper extremity injury or cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
Subjects performed one bout of eccentric exercise at a high load to induce elbow flexor muscle injury. Uniform IPC was applied on the day of exercise and daily for 5 days at 60mmHg, 40 seconds inflation, 20 deflation for 20 minutes.


METHODS
Measurements of arm circumference, stiffness, and isometric strength were recorded before exercise, then before and after IPC for 5 days after exercise. Passive muscle stiffness was measured on a device that extends the elbow stepwise and records the torque required to hold the forearm at each elbow angle.


RESULTS
Circumference and stiffness increased and strength decreased during the 5 days post-exercise (p < .05). IPC significantly decreased circumference and stiffness most notably on days 2 and 3 after exercise (p < .05). The strength loss was not affected by IPC.


CONCLUSIONS
IPC is effective in temporarily decreasing the swelling and stiffness after exercise-induced muscle injury.
Chleboun
G S
GS
Ohio University School of Physical Therapy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens 45701, USA.
Howell
J N
JN
Baker
H L
HL
Ballard
T N
TN
Graham
J L
JL
Hallman
H L
HL
Perkins
L E
LE
Schauss
J H
JH
Conatser
R R
RR
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011312:Pressure