Posted by labadaxa on 12/4/2007
It has been claimed that
an electronic muscle stimulation(ems or e-stim) machine can effectively increase
strength with little hypertrophy due to the ability of 100% muscle fiber
recruitment through an external electronic signal; and actually decrease the
time needed for slow twitch fibers to maximally contract, acting more like a
fast twitch fiber. Also it is claimed that these machines can effectively
increase vascularity and decrease a muscle's recovery time. Does anybody have
any first hand knowledge of the claimed effectiveness of these higher end
contraptions, like either a Compex or Globus brand?I know that Andy Raether
claims that recovery is hastened, but I've seen no comment on fiber recruitment
or strength gains
woodchuck07 says:
Me neither. Just read that they are not worth the money to buy for little gained.
salad says:
I've been using a compex for a few weeks now. I injured my knee 3 weeks before a tough 50 mile trail run and had to stop running. I got the compex on a 30 day free trail with hopes that I could simulate running during the three weeks prior to race.
I started off for about 10 days using the Active Recovery program, followed by ice, followed again by the program, then again ice. Did that twice a day until I no longer had pain going up and down stairs.
Then I started with the endurance program, using it conservatively in the days leading up to the race, just training to maintain some level of fitness in my quads, calves, and hams.
I had no pain during the race, and used the compex active recovery a lot after the race, and recovered very quickly for a soreness perspective.
I have been using it sparingly on other muscle groups, usually after I train that group with weights, etc.
So far I like it.. they are expensive, but I can afford it right now, so I think I'll buy it.
If it can limit the amound of 60-80 dollar massages I need when I am ramping up for an ultra marathon, it will pay for itself rather quickly.
Id suggest going to www.hammernutrition.com and reading up...they are a wealth of information there and great people.
Good luck..
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