High-pressure intermittent pneumatic compression applied immediately after physical exercise effectively reduces fatigue and enhances performance: a preliminary study

Introduction: The use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has gained popularity in the sports world as one of the appropriate recovery methods to improve athlete performance and accelerate recovery. However, the benefits of IPC as a recovery method are still very limited. Objective: This study aims to further investigate the effects of high-pressure IPC use on fatigue recovery and performance after physical exercise. Methodology: Fourteen subjects were divided into two groups, each consisting of seven subjects: the intermitten pneumatic compression (IPC) group, which received the IPC intervention and the passive recovery (PR) group, which did not receive any intervention. Both groups performed plyometric training, with measurements of blood lactate levels, leg explosive power and vertical jump height taken before and after recovery. Descriptive statistical analysis, paired sample t-test, and independent sample t-test were used in data analysis. Results: The results showed significant differences in blood lactate levels (p=0.002) and vertical jump height (p=0.006) between the IPC recovery group and the PR group after recovery. Although an increase in leg explosive power was observed after recovery, no statistically significant difference was found between the IPC recovery group and the PR group (p=0.496). Conclusion: The use of high-pressure IPC after physical exercise is significantly more effective than passive recovery in terms of reducing blood lactate levels and enhancing vertical jump height. Although there was a slight increase in leg explosive power, this change was not statistically significant; nonetheless, it is still noteworthy.