Active recovery with COMPEX

Active recovery consists of a very specific electrostimulation session of about 24 minutes.

The active recovery of COMPEX  begins with a stimulation at a low frequency, which decreases progressively and automatically every two minutes, to end at the lowest frequency. Thus a very particular activity is imposed on the muscle fibers, which allows them to recover more effectively and considerably reduce muscle overload.

Advantages and aspects on which the technique acts:

Main advantage:

Contrary to the practice of returning to calm or the day after a competition or hard training, this technique does not provide a supplement of general or cardiovascular fatigue. Does not demand physical effort, nor imposes an overload of osteo-tendinous discomfort.

Reduction of the lactate index:

The accumulation of lactate causes muscle fatigue. The procedures that accelerate their elimination allow, therefore, a better muscular recovery. Active recovery with Compex produces a decreasing intensity activity. The first few minutes of stimulation impose an activity on the muscle fibers at a relatively high percentage of their VO2max, which will progressively decrease as the frequency decreases. The technique respects, in regard to the reduction of the lactate index, the ideal protocol of active aerobic recovery, without however presenting the disadvantages (increase in psychic, general, cardiovascular and osteo-tendinous fatigue).

Increased intramuscular blood flow:

Increased blood flow in a tissue in general and in muscle in particular, allows a faster restoration of the function and balance of cells, as well as interstitial fluid. In effect, when the blood flow is increased, the elimination of the toxins is accelerated and, both the ionic balance and the glycogen reserves, are restored more quickly. This restoration will be easier, the more quickly a contribution of water, mineral salts and carbohydrates is ensured, through food.

It has been demonstrated perfectly that a good quality electrostimulation significantly increases arterial blood flow in muscle masses subjected to stimulation. This increase in arterial flow is considerable, since the resting flow is multiplied by 5; and this, without accelerating the heart rate and without increasing blood pressure, that is, without increasing general fatigue. On the other hand, the venous return flow is also increased in the same proportion as the arterial one. In this way a true venous drainage is produced, particularly effective against the feeling of heavy legs. It is also estimated that the mechanical effect of successive muscle jerks, pressing vascular structures (pumping effect) improves lymphatic drainage.

Antalgic (analgesic) endorphinic effect:

In the central nervous system, we produce natural peptides in varying amounts, which are able to bind to the same receptors as morphine. These peptides thus induce a decrease in pain (analgesic effect), as well as a general relaxation of the musculature and a decrease in anxiety. These natural substances are called endorphins and enkephalins. For several years, it is known that the production of these substances can be increased thanks to different stimuli and particularly, with electrical impulses. Thus, after the effect of lactate elimination and the effect of increased flow, the progressive decrease in frequency will lead to the active recovery session to produce an effect called endorphinic, producing a considerable decrease in pain.

Relaxation and descontracturante effect:

The increase in endorphin production entails, in addition to an antalgic effect, a generalized muscle relaxation. In addition to this general relaxation, stimulation with lower frequencies produces a local decontracting effect in the muscle masses subjected to the stimulation. The medical use of electrostimulation to modify muscle tone has existed for many years. This decontracting effect is maintained for several hours after the stimulation and allows a better control of the movements made with the muscles in question.

Thus, after the elimination effect of lactic acid and the effect of increased flow, the progressive decrease in frequency will lead to the active recovery session to produce an effect called endorphinic, producing a decrease in pain sensation.
Next, a local decontracting effect is obtained during the last minutes of the session, thanks to the lower frequencies.

It is recommended to use the program between the 15 minutes and the 3 hours following the completion of the activity.

Further information:  http://www.compex.info/es_ES/index.html