The Effect of a Series of Lower Limb Pressotherapy Treatments on the Range of Motion of the Lower Limb Joints, Lower Limb Circumferences, and Body Composition in Young, Healthy Women.

PURPOSE: In times when health and physical activity are gaining in value, the search for effective methods to support fitness and improve quality of life is becoming a priority. One of the therapies that is gaining increasing popularity is pressotherapy, which supports the regeneration of the body on many levels.

METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 15 healthy, young women. The participants underwent 10 pneumatic compression therapy treatments using the CarePump Expert8 device. The participants were examined 4 times: a week before the first treatment, immediately before the first treatment, after the 10th treatment and a week after the 10th treatment.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis of mean changes in the range of motion values showed significant decrease in: right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05) hip joint extension; right (p < 0.05) hip joint horizontal abduction; horizontal adduction of the right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05) hip joint; dorsiflexion of the right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05) ankle joint, and also an increase in: right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05) hip external rotation. Statistical analysis of changes in mean values of circumferences showed significant decrease at all tested levels: P1 right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05); U1 right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05); U2 right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05); K right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05); G1 right (p < 0.05); and left (p < 0.05); G2 right (p < 0.05) and left (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: A series of pressotherapy sessions did not improve lower limb range of motion or body composition indices; however, it did reduce circumferences at all levels of the lower limbs. Long-term use of pressotherapy can help maintain healthy fluid levels, improve circulation, and improve overall physical fitness.