Questions about using Compex products
1.Where do I place the electrodes?▾
Where to place the electrodes is indicated in the manuals for the different muscle groups.
2.How do I connect the cables to the electrodes?▾
The positive connection (red) must be placed on the electrode which is on the muscle motor point. The negative connection (clear/black) is placed on the electrode which is on the muscle path.
3.How do I find the exact motor point?▾
The photos of the position of the electrodes show the precise location. To locate your personal motor point more precisely still, you can either slightly move the positive electrode (red) and note where the muscle response is the best or use the motor point pen accessory which allows you to determine with greater accuracy the exact location of the motor points for each individual and thus guarantee optimum effectiveness of the programmes.
4.Is it important to locate the motor point accurately?▾
The precise positioning of the electrodes is not essential for the complementary programmes which do not induce a powerful muscle contraction (Active Recovery, Capillarisation). For the training programmes (Strength, Resistance, Endurance), it is more important but the electrode position indications are adapted and usually sufficient. Individual differences to what is indicated in the photos disappear once the stimulation intensity is increased.
5.Is there any danger from badly-positioned electrodes?▾
No. There is no danger if the electrodes are badly positioned. The stimulation will simply become less effective.
6.What is the reason for the pain that can sometimes be felt under the electrodes?▾
There are certain areas where the skin has a greater number of sensitive nerve endings. A bad connection between the skin and the electrodes reduces the comfort level. You must therefore use electrodes when they are in good condition, apply them correctly to the skin and if necessary move them to a less sensitive area.
7.Are there any absolute contraindications?▾
Yes. The device must not be used in the case of epilepsy or on people who wear a pacemaker. In addition, stimulation must never be applied around the stomach area in women who are pregnant, or for people suffering from a hernia or eventration. On the other hand, the electrodes must never be placed on the head.
8.Are there any long-term risks with stimulation?▾
No. Muscular stimulation and electrotherapy in general has existed for decades and no problems have ever been found.
9.Which intensity level must be reached for the training programmes (Strength, Resistance, Endurance)?▾
The highest level possible (but it must remain bearable) in order to recruit the highest possible number of muscle fibres. The most effective way of deciding on the level is your own judgement: The contractions must be powerful without ever becoming intolerable.
10.Is tolerance to the level of electrical intensity the same for everybody?▾
No. Everyone has their own level of sensitivity that depends in particular on their constitution (fat, conjunctive tissue, etc.)
11.Which intensity level must be reached for the complementary programmes (Recovery, Capillarisation)?▾
The Active Recovery and Capillarisation programmes do not require the use of maximum intensities. However, it is essential that the intensities are high enough to produce good, visible muscular twitches.
12.Which intensity level should be reached during rest phases?▾
During rest phases, the intensity of the twitches is automatically set to 50% of the level for contractions. The aim of the twitches between the contractions is to increase blood flow to improve the recovery rate.
13.Why do I also feel twitches during the rest phases?▾
The muscle is also stimulated during the rest phases causing muscle twitches. These twitches help to improve recovery between contractions. They must be clearly visible.
14.Can the use of excessively high intensity levels cause injury?▾
No. It is not possible to cause injury because the intensity is increased progressively during the contraction period to ensure that there is no risk of muscle tears.
