Comparative efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression and negative pressure therapy on muscle function and soreness. A randomized controlled trial

All procedures and therapies were conducted in a laboratory setting in the university research centre. Immediately after DOMS induction (5x20 jumps from a box of 60 cm high) participant performed a session of intermittent compression therapy (ICT) or intermittent negative pressure therapy (INPT) or sham microcurrent therapy (Control) for the lower body (legs and pelvis). A duration of 30 minutes was set for all groups. In all groups, therapy was repeated 24 and 48 hours after DOMS induction. All therapies sessions were provided by an experienced physiotherapist. INPT was performed by Vacusport Regeneration System (Weyergans LTD, Germany) and ICT was performed by BOA - Max 2 (Metrum CryoFlex, Poland). For INPT, program # 2 was used. The program consisted of five six-minute stages. In the first stage, the ratio of the duration of the vacuum and pause, measured in seconds, was 7: 7 at the turbine power level 8, which corresponded to a vacuum of -33 mbar; in the second, respectively 8: 6 and power 10 (- 37mbar); services 8: 8 and 13 (-43mbar); on the fourth 9: 9 and 15 (- 49mbar); on the fifth 10:10 and power 15 (- 49mbar). For ICT sport massage program was set. The pressure in the ventricles corresponded to the diastolic pressure of the examined patients and was in all cases 70-80 mmHg. The "sports massage" program was selected, consisting in pumping three chambers in each leg simultaneously, starting from the distal parts of the lower limbs. 10 treatment cycles were set, with each cycle time being 3 minutes, a typical gradient and a pace of 15. For the potential increase of the massage effect, the option of a pulsating massage was set, which was activated after the chambers were completely filled. After all 24 chambers were inflated, the machine aspirated these chambers simultaneously and the next cycle began.