Zelikovski A, Kaye CL, Fink G, Spitzer SA, Shapiro Y.
The effects of the modified intermittent sequential pneumatic device (MISPD) on
exercise performance following an exhaustive exercise bout.
Br J Sports Med 1993 Dec;27(4):255-9

Department of Vascular Surgery, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.

The Lymphapress, a pneumatic sequential intermittent device is recognized as one
of the most effective conservative treatments for lymphoedema, due to its
effective 'milking mechanism'. This led us to hypothesize that accelerated
removal of fatigue-causing metabolites by mechanical massage could improve an
athlete's performance capacity. We conducted trials with 11 men who exercised at
a constant workload, on a cycle ergometer, until exhaustion. During a 20-min
recovery period a new modified pneumatic sequential intermittent device (the
MISPD) was applied to the subjects' legs. The men then performed a second
constant load exercise bout. Cardiorespiratory parameters were measured during
exercise and blood was withdrawn during recovery for the determination of
lactate, pyruvate, ammonia, bicarbonate and pH. No difference was found in the
blood levels of the 'fatigue causing metabolites' during passive recovery (PR)
and recovery with the MISPD (MR). However, the MISPD effected a 45% improvement
in the subjects' ability to perform the subsequent exercise bout. The
accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space after exercise and its
disappearance after the use of the MISPD offers one possible explanation for
these results, although psychological effects cannot be discounted.