Effects of intermittent pneumatic compression as a recovery method after exercise: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The aim of the study was to gather information from the literature on the use of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (compression boots) as a recovery method after exercise. A database search methodology, just in English, was used for the review from 2000 to 2021. In this review a total of 354 studies were found which, after applying inclusion items, such as the need for a recovery method as a means of comparison, and exclusion and analysis of abstracts and full text, reached a total of 6 studies. An analysis of the studies was carried out in relation to the sample studied, the compression boots intervention protocol, the recovery methods used as a comparison, the physiological stress agent and the variables analysed and their responses. The results found showed no significant difference in the comparison between the recovery methods that indicate a superiority or inferiority for the use of compression boots. A low number of evidence was observed so that one could have a definitive position regarding the use of compression boots as a recovery method, even though the lack of positive responses and divergences regarding the use of this methodology are evident. There's still a gap to understand compression boots as recovery, even with positive responses from empiric knowledge.