Compex test: daily training. Cycling, running, gym, that's what everyday life looks like for many of us. Many do not know that there is more than conventional training. The Swiss company Compex has been around for over 30 years. After the business area of electro muscle stimulation was limited to medical applications in the first few years, the range was expanded in 1996 to include sports-specific applications. Since then, a lot has happened. Anyone who thinks he has already turned all the screws should think about a Compex SP 8.0.
The Compex SP 8.0 is the top model from the Compex brand. It can be used for fitness training, recreational massages, pain treatment, rehabilitation, as well as to improve fitness.
The scope of delivery of the Compex SP8.0 includes:
- Central control
- 4 Module
- Charging Station
- Battery charger
- 2 bags of snap electrodes 5×10 cm
- 2 bags of snap electrodes 5×5 cm
- 2 bags of snap electrodes 5×10 cm (1 snap)
- Protective cover for central control
- Rigid transport bag
- USB cable
- Manual
Compex SP 8.0 setup
Before the first use, the controller and modules should be loaded. To do this, place the modules in the charging station. The charging status of the modules can now be seen on the display of the controller.
When the Compex is charged, the controller can be switched on with the power button on the right side. The desired language can now be set with the arrow keys.
Next, the controller is paired with the modules. If the connection is successful, the control shows a tick. The Compex SP 8.0 is ready for use. A first program can now be selected using the arrow keys.
The Compex SP 8.0 includes the following programs:
fitness training:
Endurance • Anaerobic • Strength • Speed • Overcompensation • Ankle strengthening • Cross Training • Trunk stabilization • Muscle building • Muscle training • Prestart • Warming up • Capillarization
relaxation massages:
Training recovery • Competition recovery • Relaxation massage • Anti-sore muscles • Regeneration massage
Pain Management:
Pain Treatment TENS • Acute Pain • Muscle Pain • Neck Pain • Back Pain • Lumbago • Epicondilitis • Tendonitis • Heavy Legs • Cramp Prevention
Rehabilitation:
Muscular atrophy • Muscle strengthening
Fitness:
Strengthen arms • tighten thighs • 6-pack training • train biceps • abdominal muscle training • shape buttocks • power • lymphatic drainage
The principle behind Compex SP 8.0
During voluntary activity, the brain sends an impulse through the spinal cord to the motor nerve to be stimulated. This transmits the signal to the muscle fibers, which then contract. The principle of electrostimulation mimics this process. The stimulator sends an electrical impulse to the nerve fibers to stimulate them. This stimulation is then transmitted to the muscle fibers and causes the muscle to twitch. According to Compex, the muscle reaction corresponds in every respect to the muscle activity controlled by the brain.
Depending on the program settings (number of impulses per second, duration of the contraction, recovery phase and total duration of the program), the muscle is exposed to different training methods depending on the muscle fiber. The different types of muscle fibers can be identified according to their rate of contraction. There are slow, medium and fast muscle fibers.
The advantages of electrostimulation are:
- Improving various muscle characteristics
- The very low stress on joints and tendons
- Protection of the cardiovascular system during illness
Compex SP 8.0 technology
The Compex SP8.0 features MI (muscle intelligence) technology. It should enable more effective and at the same time more comfortable electro-muscle stimulation. The MI technology splits into the MI-Scan, it scans the selected muscle group and automatically adjusts the settings of the stimulation, the intensity is further determined by yourself. The MI-Action function optimizes the effectiveness of the training when voluntary and electronic contraction of the muscle are combined in the training, i.e. conventional and EMS training are combined. The MI-Tens technology aims to optimize the level of stimulation in anti-pain programs. In addition, the Compex SP 8.0 has the new MI-Autorange function, it is similar to the MI-Scan, but the Compex regulates the stimulation level automatically.
Training with Compex SP 8.0
In the past few weeks I was able to train with a Compex SP8.0 test device. If training effectiveness is measured in muscle soreness intensity, then this training methodology deserves five out of five stars.
I found my first training with Compex quite exciting. I had never worked with electrical muscle stimulation before. The muscles twitch and there is nothing you can do about it. This is frightening in the first moment, funny in the second and fascinating in the third.
Operating the Compex using the arrow keys and pushbuttons is very intuitive and works without delay. The menu navigation is easy to understand. So first select the type of program (conditioning training, relaxation massages, pain treatment...). Next, a program is selected from the respective program type (e.g. fitness training > strength training or rehabilitation > muscle strengthening). Finally, select the muscle group to be treated.
During my test period, I mainly used programs from the fitness training and relaxation massages. I always chose the training programs to complement the content in my bike training plan. With long-term use, it makes sense to have your trainer write the programs into your training plan. Because just like with any other training, the Compex only unfolds its full effect with targeted planning.
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The control unit and modules should always be within reach of each other. However, distances of 10 meters are possible and should contact be lost, the program is interrupted and can be resumed after the distance has been reduced.
Anyone who thinks Compex is the easy way is wrong. The feeling of the contraction in all fitness training is roughly comparable to the pain of a cramp. Each program (number of pulses per second, duration of the contraction, recovery phase and total duration of the program) hurts a little differently, but Compex was not made for unobtrusive training at the kitchen table or even in the office.
The situation is different with the programs in the relaxation massage category. Painlessly, they help very well in a short time to restore well-being after a hard day of training. The effect can be felt immediately after the end of the session and compares well with the feeling after a real massage.
I especially liked the MI autorange feature. Especially as an EMS beginner it is difficult to judge whether the stimulation level is set well. Am I getting the most out of my training? Am I overtaxing my body? The Compex SP 8.0 makes it easy, it adapts to the conditions of the muscles.
The various programs are each explained in one sentence on the display. The points to be glued are also shown. In this way, the right glue points can be found quickly, even without a great deal of anatomical knowledge. The electrodes are reusable. They achieve the longest lifetime if Compex's own electrode gel is applied to the skin before use. It ensures improved contact between the skin and the electrode, thus increasing the effectiveness of the application. Heavy sweating, on the other hand, greatly shortens the life of the electrodes.
The battery life of the modules and the control unit are completely sufficient. Despite daily use, charging the Compex once a week was always sufficient. This is especially practical when traveling where in hotels you often have to fight for every socket.
For all experienced Compex users who want to integrate EMS into their gym units, I recommend using holding baths, as electrodes can come off the skin towards the end of their service life and when sweating heavily. They fix the electrodes and modules securely to the body, so that even strong jolts, such as those that occur when running, are no longer a problem.
For me, Compex is a useful addition to training. It helps me to challenge my body in new ways and to work effectively on my weaknesses.