Compex Muscle Stimulator FAQs
The Best Muscle Workout from the Comfort of your Chair
- Who is the Compex Sport intended for?
- How long is the Compex warranty?
- Why is Compex training non-traumatic?
- Are Compex muscle stimulators safe to use?
- Can I injure myself using too high a current level?
- Can the Compex simply replace voluntary training?
- Can I train my muscles more thoroughly using Compex than by voluntary training?
- How do I integrate the Compex Sport into normal training?
- What computer configuration is needed to run the CD-ROM?
- Are electrodes supplied with the stimulator unit?
- Where on the body should the electrodes be placed?
- How many times can the electrodes be used?
- Does incorrect positioning of the electrodes create any risks?
- What intensity should be reached for training programs (strength, resistance, endurance, etc.)?
- What intensity should be reached for special programs (potentiation, active recovery)?
- What does Compex contribute to traditional training?
- Can Compex sessions take place during voluntary training sessions?
- How do I know which program to use?
- Are there any studies that demonstrate results?
- Are there any long-term risks associated with stimulation?
- Are there any absolute contra-indications?
Compex FAQs
Q. Who is the Compex Sport intended for?
A. The Compex Sport is intended for anyone who wishes to improve their body's performance.
Q. Can I train my muscles more thoroughly using Compex than by voluntary training?
A. Yes. When you stimulate a muscle with a Compex program, there is no limit on the amount of muscular work you can do, because there is no psychological or cardiovascular fatigue. The precision achievable using stimulation means that you can work your muscles in a much more localized and effective way than is possible using traditional voluntary exercise.
Q. Why is Compex training non-traumatic?
A. With Compex, muscle contractions develop progressively, placing no sudden traction on joints or tendons, so it is not possible to cause muscle or tendon trauma.
Q. How do I integrate the Compex Sport into normal training?
A. A Training Planner (on CD-ROM) that provides comprehensive operating instructions and training plans for different sporting disciplines accompanies each Compex Sport.
Q. What computer configuration is needed to run the CD-ROM?
A. Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows NT
Q. Are electrodes supplied with the stimulator unit?
A. Yes. When purchased, each stimulator includes 1 set of basic electrodes (4 small and 2 large electrodes)
Q. How long is the Compex warranty?
A. 2 years (plus 1 additional year by completing the warranty registration form)
Q. Where on the body should the electrodes be placed?
The positive electrode (red) must be placed in the region of the motor point of the muscle. The negative electrode (transparent) is placed on the course of the muscle. Your Compex Sport CD-ROM illustrates the correct placement of electrodes depending on your sport and the muscle area to be stimulated.
Q. How many times can the electrodes be used?
A. Depending on the type and condition of the skin, between 15 and 30 times. Around 30 applications are possible on skin that is clean, degreased and shaven.
Q. Does incorrect positioning of the electrodes create any risks?
A. No. There is no risk in incorrectly positioning the electrodes. The stimulation simply becomes less efficient.
Q. What intensity should be reached for training programs (strength, resistance, endurance, etc.)?
A. The highest level possible (but bearable) in order to recruit the largest possible numbers of muscle fibers. The best control mechanism is your subjective evaluation of how it feels: the contractions must be powerful without ever becoming unbearable.
Q. What intensity should be reached for special programs (potentiation, active recovery)?
A. These programs do not require the use of maximum current levels. However, the intensities must be high enough to produce vigorous muscular twitches (generally in the range of 20 and 40 mA).
Q. Can I injure myself using too high a current level?
A. No. It is not possible to injure yourself because the current is applied progressively throughout the contraction period to avoid any risk of muscle damage.
Q. Can the Compex simply replace voluntary training?
A. No. It is vital to continue regular training for your specific sports discipline. Compex training acts as a supplement to voluntary training to further enhance overall training performance.
Q. What does Compex contribute to traditional training?
A. It enables the quantity and quality of training to be increased and helps recovery. You can train better and faster: saving time and improving efficiency and performance.
Q. Can Compex sessions take place during voluntary training sessions?
A. Compex sessions can take place outside or during voluntary training. If you wish to do both at the same time, you are advised to start with voluntary training.
Q. How do I know which program to use?
A. The Training CD-ROM that comes with the Compex Sport helps you optimize your workouts and training regimen.
Q. Are there any studies that demonstrate results?
A. Yes, follow the link to our About the Technology section to browse through the numerous clinical studies and papers about E-Stim and its impact on athletic performance in numerous sports.
Q. Are Compex muscle stimulators safe to use?
A. Yes, Compex is the only muscle stimulator cleared by the FDA for sale in the US. Compex Technologies is a leader in medical technology and the use of E-Stim for medical, rehabilitation, pain control, sports and fitness enhancement purposes. The type of current used in Compex is based on medical technology and cannot cause burns.
Q. Are there any long-term risks associated with stimulation?
A. No. EMS and electrotherapy have been in general use for decades and no problems have ever been reported.
Q. Are there any absolute contra-indications?
A. Yes. The equipment must not be used by people with epilepsy or by patients fitted with a heart pacemaker. E-Stim should never be applied to the abdomens of pregnant women or to anyone suffering from a hernia or rupture. In addition, electrodes must never be applied to the head or to the area around the heart.
