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. 2020 Feb 1;13(2):75-86.
doi: 10.70252/HSPN3402. eCollection 2020.

Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in Long Distance Runners

Shane N Draper  1   2 , Emily L Kullman  2 , Kenneth E Sparks  2 , Kathleen Little  2 , Joan Thoman  2
Affiliations

Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in Long Distance Runners

Shane N Draper et al. Int J Exerc Sci. .

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to observe the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) and DOMS after long distance running. Ten distance runners, five males and five females, ages 20-53 years performed two 20-mile runs at 70% VO2 max. Each run was followed by either no treatment (control) or IPC treatment for five consecutive days. For the IPC run, participants were treated for one hour immediately following the run and daily for five more days thereafter. On control runs, participants did not receive any treatment. Serum CRP was measured pre- and post-run, and daily thereafter for five days for both trials. Results indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05) between control and treatment runs in CRP levels. Subjective pain ratings indicated no significant difference in pain between control and treatment runs. In conclusion, there appear to be no substantial benefits of IPC in promoting recovery.

Keywords: 20-mile run; 70% VO2 max; C-reactive protein; Inflammation; endurance trained individuals; muscle recovery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Functional schematic of IPC Recovery device. The different zones shown are found on the IPC device and represent what is occurring in each zone during each phase over time.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The control run vs the treatment run over the six days of testing (mean ± SD). * indicates a significantly higher amount of CRP compared to Pre-Run and Post-Run in both the control and treatment groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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