Compex Vitality - Manual (Page 19)

English
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T he choice of electrodes size (large or
small) and the correct positioning of
the electrodes on the muscular group
to be stimulated are determinant and
essential factors for the effectiveness
of the stimulation. Therefore, always
use the size of electrodes shown in
the pictures. Unless you have other
specific medical instructions, always
follow the placement directions in the
pictures. If necessary, find the best
position by slightly moving the
positive polarity electrode, so as to
obtain the best muscle contraction
or the position that seems most
comfortable.
Compex Group disclaims all
responsibility for electrodes positioned
in any other manner.
2. Stimulation positions
To determine the stimulation position
to adopt depending on the placement
of the electrodes and the chosen program,
refer to the pictures and pictograms on the
poster and to the “Table with placements of
electrodes and stimulation positions” in
chapter VII.
T he stimulation position depends on
the muscular group to be stimulated
and the program chosen.
F or the programs involving powerful
muscular contractions, the muscle
should always be stimulated in an
isometric fashion. Consequently, you
should fix the extremity of the stimula-
ted limb(s) firmly. In this way, you
provide maximum resistance to the
movement and prevent any shortening
of the muscle during the contraction,
which could create cramp pains and
serious stiffness after the session. For
example, when stimulating the
quadriceps, the user should be in a
seated position with the ankles fixed
with straps to prevent extension of the
knees.
F or the other types of programs (for
example, the Pain programs and the
Active recovery program), which do
not involve powerful muscular
contractions, position yourself as
comfortably as possible.
3. Setting the stimulation
energy level
I n a stimulated muscle, the number
of recruited fibres depends on the
stimulation energy. For the programs
involving powerful muscular contrac-
tions, it is therefore absolutely neces-
sary to use maximum stimulation
energy, always at the limit of what you
can support, so as to involve the
greatest possible number of fibres.
T he “Table with placements of
electrodes and stimulation positions”
in chapter VII provides information
on the energy to use, depending on
the selected program.
4. Progression in the levels
I n general, it is not advisable to go
through the different levels quickly
with the intention of reaching level 5
as fast as possible. In fact, the
different levels correspond to progress
with electrostimulation.
T he simplest and most usual procedure
is to start with level 1 and raise the
level when changing to a new stimu-
lation cycle.
A t the end of a cycle, you may either
start a new cycle at the next level up
or do some maintenance at the rate
of 1 session a week at the last level
reached.
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