The use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices to promote blood lactate clearance post-exercise in athletes

Abstract

Overview of the Topic: Fast recovery is essential for athletes after high-intensity exercise. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are marketed as recovery tools that clear blood lactate (BLa) at a fast rate. Due to limited evidence, it is not conclusive that IPC devices are effective when compared to other recovery methods. Population Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICO) Elements & Research Question: Based on the PICO framework and the PICO elements outlined, the following research question was formulated: “Does the use of IPC devices (I) promote blood lactate clearance (O) post-exercise in athletes (P)?” Search Methods: An online search, using multiple keywords on academic databases, was conducted to find relevant literature. The inclusion criteria consisted of selecting information from Systematic Reviews (SR), Meta-Analysis (MA), Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Cohort studies. Other criteria that were required to be adhered to included finding studies which consisted of selecting a population of athletes aged between 16 and 60, and studies which recorded BLa levels. Eight RCTs were finally selected and critically appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) (2020) for RCTs to assess the trustworthiness, relevance and results of the published papers. Results: The results were diverse. When compared to passive recovery, three RCTs found that IPC devices are more effective in BLa clearance, four RCTs concluded that there was no significant difference and one study claimed that BLa concentrations increased after using IPC devices. Furthermore, two of the RCTs found out that although there was no significant difference in BLa clearance between the use of IPC devices and active recovery during the initial stages of recovery, active recovery was found to be more effective during the later stages. Conclusion: A clear conclusion about whether IPC devices are effective as a recovery tool cannot be drawn because a comparison of results indicate different findings. Still, the results point to a favourable trend towards IPC devices as being effective. Implications and Recommendations: Hence, due to the inconsistent findings, more research needs to be implemented. IPC devices can still be used as they do not cause any harm and could in fact have beneficial effects.