Pneumatic compressions devices: effects on recovery and subsequent performance

Abstract

Recovery is considered a vital part of sports and exercise performance. The most efficient recovery method following an exercise bout, in order to improve performance, is not fully elucidated or agreed upon. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of three recovery strategies (passive, active, and pneumatic compression devices) on exercise performance. Fourteen male subjects completed an intense exercise bout using a Tabata protocol. Subsequent performance testing involved completing three performance tests: a vertical jump test, an agility test (T-test), and a Wingate anaerobic power test. All three recovery methods were carried out for 30 minutes immediately following the Tabata protocol. Subsequent performance tests were completed within 24 hours of each recovery method, in random order. There were no significant differences in exercise performance for any of the tests, regardless of the recovery modality. It was concluded following an intense exercise bout, active recovery or the use of pneumatic compression boots are no more beneficial than passive recovery in terms of their effect on performance 24 hours later.