Enhanced External Counterpulsation and Recovery From a Plyometric Exercise Bout

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Design: This study followed a crossover, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced design. Participants: Ten healthy active subjects (7 male; 27 ± 4 years). Interventions: Participants performed a plyometric exercise bout (10 sets of 10 jumps interspersed with 1-minute rests) and were then assigned to recover for 30 minutes with either EECP (cuff pressure = 80 mm Hg) or a Sham intervention (0 mm Hg) immediately after exercise and at 24 hours after exercise. Two weeks later, they repeated the protocol with the other recovery intervention. Main Outcome Measures: Muscle soreness, creatine kinase (CK) activity, jump performance, and tensiomyographic variables were measured before exercise, and 24 and 48 hours after exercise. Results: The mean jump height of the plyometric bout did not differ between EECP and Sham (P > 0.05). Exercise resulted in increased muscle soreness (P < 0.001) and CK levels (P < 0.001), as well as in impaired jump performance (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in tensiomyographic variables. No significant differences were found between interventions for any of the study outcomes. Conclusions: No benefits on recovery from EIMD after a plyometric exercise bout were observed with EECP.