Chleboun GS, Howell JN, Baker HL, Ballard TN, Graham JL,
Hallman HL, Perkins LE, Schauss JH, Conatser RR.
Intermittent pneumatic compression effect on eccentric exercise-induced swelling,
stiffness, and strength loss.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1995 Aug;76(8):744-9

Ohio University School of Physical Therapy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens 45701, USA.

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. DESIGN: Repeated measures
design with a before-after trial comparison within each day. SETTING: Conducted
at a university Somatic Dysfunction Laboratory. SUBJECTS: 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. INTERVENTIONS:
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. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. CONCLUSION: IPC is effective in
temporarily decreasing the swelling and stiffness after exercise-induced muscle
injury.