Effects of intermittent pneumatic compression vs. neuromuscular electrical stimulation on recovery following anaerobic exercise in male basketball players

Objective: To compare the effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) vs. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on recovery following anaerobic exercise. Design: Three-arm comparative pretest-posttest experimental design Setting: University Sports complex and Physiotherapy Clinic. Participants: Twenty-four male collegiate basketball players aged 18-25 yrs (mean± SD 20.4±1.8 yrs) Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned into one of the 3 groups; IPC group (n=8), NMES group (n=8) or control group (n=8). Each group performed a repeated sprint test (RAST) following which, the subjects received IPC, NMES or no intervention as a recovery mode, for 20 minutes. Main outcome measures: Blood lactate recorded prior to and at 5, 15 and 25 min following the RAST. Following recovery, subjects performed another bout of RAST to assess for peak power, mean power, and fatigue index, as parameters of anaerobic performance. Results: There was a significant difference in the clearance of blood lactate between three groups (p=0.006*), with NMES group showing greatest drop. The performance decrements in the second bout of RAST were significantly less for the NMES group as compared to control (p<0.05). Conclusion: NMES was more effective than IPC or passive rest, in clearing blood lactate and minimizing performance decrements following an anaerobic exercise bout.