HOW TO INTEGRATE

COMPEX
INTO MARATHON PREPARATION
TESTIMONIALS

DR. THIERRY LAPORTE

Sports cardiologist in Bordeaux. Head of Pôle Activité Santé Hôpital Bagatelle www.umapsante.fr

It has been almost 20 years since I started using VO2 max assessment tests and training
thresholds on runners and cyclists. As a Sports Cardiologist, it is exciting that from an individual’s data it is
possible to offer a customized training program.

As well as a heart-rate monitor, I often recommend using electrical muscle stimulation; EMS provides a
useful compliment to conventional training sessions, particularly in the following examples:

• After intense ‘qualitative’ sessions, usually involving a 30/30 split (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off resting)
or after a session at threshold, using the ‘Active Recovery’ programme can speed up the recovery process,
building muscles, and thus empowering athletes to train again the next day without qualitative or
quantitative accumulative fatigue. This reduces the risk of over-training.

• The ‘Endurance’ program is not a substitution for conventional quantitative long run session, but it helps to prepare the muscles stimulated during the
active session. Compex stimulation can shorten the duration of a session by 30 minutes, limiting the musculoskeletal fatigue while maintaining the
same muscle charge. Even in exceptional circumstances, such as poor weather or geographical impossibility, the complete ‘Endurance’ program can
mitigate the adverse consequences of missing a session.

• In the days leading up to the competition, it is recommended to reduce the training workload. In this case, I advise using the ‘Capillarisation’ Program
every 2 days, 10 days before the race. This Program increases the blood flow, thereby improving the muscular efficiency during an endurance effort.
It also has an advantage in not creating additional muscle fatigue. The ‘Capillarisation’ session can be integrated on a weekly training schedule in
alternation with a muscle-strengthening session. There is an drastic improvement in stride-efficiency the days following Capillarisation. This is easy to
track with a heart rate monitor; the runner will see an increase in speed whilst keeping the same heart-rate level.

The other area in which muscle stimulation is beneficial is for a prolonged immobilization as a result of a disease, muscle or tendon injury or after an
accident or trauma. In all of the above cases, immobilization will result in atrophy and physical degeneration. Electrical muscle stimulation programs like
‘Reinforcement’ or ‘Muscle Atrophy’ (if atrophy is present), used on a daily basis, will limit the adverse consequences of ceasing to train. Keep in mind
that it takes twice the length of time incapacitated to recover the former muscle strength and condition.
WHEN TO START PREPARING
• Each training plan lasts 10 weeks.
• The prerequisite for this training is to be in overall good shape and to train on a regular basis for several months before the race.
• For runners who are not used to muscle stimulation (especially with the strengthening Program) a 2-3 week initiation is highly recommended
before starting with the 10 week training plan.

ADJUSTING STIMULATION INTENSITY IS THE KEY!

For Programs inducing powerful muscular contractions (Endurance, Strength, Cross training, Core stabilization)

• Maximum toleration: It is crucial to reach the highest level of intensity possible (though the session must always remain bearable). Intensity
determines the number of muscle fibers which are engaged or ‘recruited’ by the stimulation. The best way to determine your maximum toleration
is simply through your own judgement of what your body can cope with. The contractions must be powerful without ever becoming intolerable.
The progress of a stimulated muscle will be greater if the Compex device recruits a high number of its fibers.

SEVERAL RULES TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE THIS:

• Apply the electrodes according to the diagrams
• Consider changing your electrodes on a regular basis. If the gel layer on the electrode deteriorates, it will be less conductive and you will not be
able to achieve higher levels of stimulation.
• Always look to progress:
- Increase the intensity marginally every 3,4 or 5 contractions throughout a session.
- In subsequent sessions aim to exceed the level of intensity reached in the previous session
- It is often more comfortable to voluntarily contract the muscles, synchronised with the stimulation

SIMILAR PROGRAMS ACROSS DIFFERENT COMPEX DEVICES

Sometimes, Compex models will use different names to refer to the same program type. Below is a key so you can identify the correct program:
• Capillarisation = Oxygenation
• Core stabilization = Muscle building
• Training recovery = Active recovery

FOR TRAINING RECOVERY AND CAPILLARISATION PROGAMMES

Increase the intensity gradually; it should produce visible muscular twitches.
POSITION OF
ELECTRODES

FOR ENDURANCE, STRENGTH AND CROSS TRAINING PROGRAMS

WIRE COMPEX DEVICES WIRELESS COMPEX DEVICES

FOR CORE STABILIZATION PROGRAM

WIRE COMPEX DEVICES WIRELESS COMPEX DEVICES

FOR TRAINING RECOVERY AND CAPILLARISATION PROGRAMS

WIRE COMPEX DEVICES WIRELESS COMPEX DEVICES

BODY POSITIONING
AND COMBINED WORKOUT

QUADRICEPS : STRENGTH OR CROSS QUADRICEPS :

TRAINING PROGRAM ENDURANCE PROGRAM

WIRE ELECTRODE PLACEMENT WIRELESS ELECTRODE PLACEMENT WIRE ELECTRODE PLACEMENT WIRELESS ELECTRODE PLACEMENT

• Relaxed, sitting or lying down with knee extended

• Find the most comfortable position
OR • Given the long duration of this program, it is possible to change positions
during the session
• Sit with knees bent at • Sit on chair
approximately 90° • When the contraction begins, position
• Secure the ankles to avoid knee yourself in a semi-squat
extension when there is a powerful • Sit back down at the end of the contraction
contraction • Keep the back straight, lower back arched
and eyes facing forward (horizontal)

ABS AND LOW BACK : CORE STABILIZATION PROGRAM

WIRE ELECTRODE PLACEMENT WIRELESS ELECTRODE PLACEMENT

• Sit on a chair, back straight without resting against the back of the chair
• During each contraction it is recommended you:
- Exhale slowly to empty the lungs for the duration of the contraction
- Pull in the belly

TRAINING RECOVERY AND CAPILLARISATION PROGRAMS

WIRE ELECTRODE PLACEMENT WIRELESS ELECTRODE PLACEMENT

• Comfortable body position

• Lie down with foot/leg elevated from the ground
OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE: 5 HOURS
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
REST MAS REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
Warming up 30min Endurance 1 1h15 Endurance 1 1h45
10x 30s/30s Quadriceps Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 1
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST MAS REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
Warming up 30min Endurance 1 1h15 Endurance 1 2h
10x 45s/45s Quadriceps Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 2
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST MAS REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
Warming up 30min Endurance 1 1h15 Endurance 1 2h
2x (8x 30s/30s) Quadriceps Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 3
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST MAS REST FOOTING REST REST RACE 15KM
Warming up 30min Endurance 1 1h Endurance 1 OR HALF
2x (10x 30s/30s) Quadriceps Quadriceps MARATHON
WEEK 4
15min relax Training recovery
Training recovery Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves
REST REST FARTLEK REST REST REST LONG RUN
WEEK 5 TRAINING Endurance 1 2h
TRANSITION 1h Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK Training recovery Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves
 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
SESSION Endurance 2 1h30 Endurance 2 2h
Warming up 30min Quadriceps Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 6 3x 2km Quads/Calves
15min relax
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
SESSION Endurance 2 1h15 Endurance 2 2h15
Warming up 30min Quadriceps + 8 straight lines Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 7 3x 2.5km Training recovery Quads/Calves
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
SESSION Endurance 2 1h30 Endurance 2 2h15
Warming up 30min Quadriceps + 10 straight lines Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 8 3x 3km Training recovery Quads/Calves
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
SESSION Endurance 2 1h30 Endurance 2 1h45
Warming up 30min Quadriceps + 12 straight lines Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 9 4x 2.5km Training recovery Quads/Calves
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING REST REST FOOTING REST MARATHON
45min Capillarisation Capillarisation 30min optional Capillarisation
WEEK 10
Quads/Calves Quads/Calves Capillarisation Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves

Optional: 3x/week Core stabilization Program on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday during week 1 to 4 and 6 to 9.
OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE: 4 HOURS
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
REST FOOTING REST MAS REST FOOTING LONG RUN
1h15 Endurance 1 Warming up 30min Endurance 1 1h 1h45
Quadriceps 10x 30s/30s Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 1
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FARTLEK REST MAS REST FOOTING LONG RUN
TRAINING Endurance 1 Warming up 30min Endurance 1 1h15 2h
1h Quadriceps 10x 45s/45s Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 2
Training recovery 15min relax Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING REST MAS REST FOOTING LONG RUN
1h Endurance 1 Warming up 30min Endurance 1 1h20 2h
+ 10 straight lines Quadriceps 2x (8x 30s/30s) Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 3
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FARTLEK REST MAS FOOTING REST RACE 15KM
TRAINING Endurance 1 Warming up 30min 1h OR HALF
1h15 Quadriceps 2x (10x 30s/30s) + 12 straight lines MARATHON
WEEK 4
Training recovery 15min relax Endurance 1 Training recovery
Quads/Calves Training recovery Quadriceps Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves
REST REST FARTLEK REST REST REST LONG RUN
WEEK 5 TRAINING Endurance 1 1h45
TRANSITION 1h Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK Training recovery Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves
 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
REST FOOTING REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING LONG RUN
1h15 Cross training 1 SESSION Cross training 1 1h 2h
Quadriceps Warming up 30min Quadriceps + 10 straight lines Capillarisation
WEEK 6 3x 2km Quads/Calves
15min relax
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FARTLEK REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING LONG RUN
TRAINING Cross training 1 SESSION Cross training 1 1h 2h
1h Quadriceps Warming up 30min Quadriceps + 10 straight lines Capillarisation
WEEK 7 Training recovery 4x 2km Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves 15min relax
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FARTLEK REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING LONG RUN
TRAINING Cross training 1 SESSION Cross training 1 1h30 of which 2h15
1h15 Quadriceps Warming up 30min Quadriceps 30min at marathon Capillarisation
WEEK 8 Training recovery 3x 3km pace Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves 15min relax
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST THRESHOLD REST FOOTING REST REST LONG RUN
SESSION Cross training 1 1h30 Cross training 1 1h45
Warming up 30min Quadriceps + 12 straight lines Quadriceps Capillarisation
WEEK 9 4x 2.5km Training recovery Quads/Calves
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING REST REST FOOTING REST MARATHON
45min Capillarisation Capillarisation 30min optional Capillarisation
WEEK 10
Quads/Calves Quads/Calves Capillarisation Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves

Optional: 3x/week Core stabilization Program on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday during week 1 to 4 and 6 to 9.
OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE: 3 HOURS OR LESS

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
REST FOOTING MAS FOOTING REST MAS LONG RUN
1h Warming up 30min 1h15 Strength 1 Warming up 30min 1h30
Strength 1 10x 30s/30s Quadriceps 10x 45s/45s Capillarisation
WEEK 1
Quadriceps 15min relax 15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery Training recovery
Quads/Calves Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING MAS FOOTING REST MAS LONG RUN
1h Warming up 30min 1h15 Strength 1 Warming up 30min 1h45
Strength 1 10x 45s/45s Quadriceps 8x 60s/60s Capillarisation
WEEK 2
Quadriceps 15min relax 15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery Training recovery
Quads/Calves Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING MAS FOOTING REST MAS LONG RUN
1h Warming up 30min 1h15 Strength 1 Warming up 30min 2h
Strength 1 10x 60s/60s Quadriceps 2x (8x 30s/30s) Capillarisation
WEEK 3
Quadriceps 15min relax 15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery Training recovery
Quads/Calves Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING MAS FOOTING FARTLEK REST RACE 15KM
1h15 Warming up 30min 1h TRAINING OR HALF
Strength 1 2x (10x 30s/30s) Strength 1 1h MARATHON
WEEK 4
Quadriceps 15min relax Quadriceps Training recovery
Training recovery Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING REST REST FARTLEK REST LONG RUN
WEEK 5
1h15 1h TRAINING 1h45
TRANSITION
Strength 1 1h Capillarisation
WEEK
Quadriceps Quads/Calves
 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
REST FOOTING THRESHOLD FOOTING REST THRESHOLD LONG RUN
1h SESSION 1h15 Strength 2 SESSION 2h
Strength 2 Warming up 30min Quadriceps Warming up 30min Capillarisation
WEEK 6 Quadriceps 3x 2km 3x 3km Quads/Calves
15min relax 15min relax
Training recovery Training recovery
Quads/Calves Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING MAS FOOTING REST THRESHOLD LONG RUN
1h15 Warming up 30min 1h15 of which Strength 2 SESSION 2h
Strength 2 10x 30s/30s 30min at marathon Quadriceps Warming up 30min Capillarisation
WEEK 7 Quadriceps 15min relax pace 3x 3km Quads/Calves
Training recovery 15min relax
Quads/Calves Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING THRESHOLD FOOTING REST FARTLEK LONG RUN
1h15 SESSION 1h15 of which Strength 2 TRAINING 2h
Strength 2 Warming up 30min 30min at marathon Quadriceps 1h15 Capillarisation
WEEK 8 Quadriceps 3x 4km pace Training recovery Quads/Calves
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING THRESHOLD FOOTING REST FARTLEK LONG RUN
1h SESSION 1h of which 20min Strength 2 TRAINING 1h45
Strength 2 Warming up 30min at marathon pace Quadriceps 1h Capillarisation
WEEK 9 Quadriceps 3x 2.5km Training recovery Quads/Calves
15min relax Quads/Calves
Training recovery
Quads/Calves
REST FOOTING REST REST FOOTING REST MARATHON
45min Capillarisation Capillarisation 30min optional Capillarisation
WEEK 10
Quads/Calves Quads/Calves Capillarisation Quads/Calves
Quads/Calves

Optional: 3x/week Core stabilization Program on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday during week 1 to 4 and 6 to 9.
 BRACING & SUPPORTS

Knee LEVEL OF SUPPORT

• Low profile knee sleeve with targeted compression zones

• Silicone bands reinforce support, similar to athletic taping
• Available in left and right version

RECOMMENDED FOR
Repetitive motion or fatigue symptoms, minor strains, inflammation and swelling
and to reduce stress on the knee

Patella LEVEL OF SUPPORT

• Silicone membranes surround and stabilize the patella

• Shock absorbing stretch silicone helps diffuse tensions
• Lightweight, low profile design
KNEE

• Fits left or right

RECOMMENDED FOR
Minor anterior knee pain, knee instability, overuse symptoms and to reduce
stress on the knee

PINPOINT Knee Strap LEVEL OF SUPPORT

• Pinpoint technology delivers comfortable and targeted support to help relieve pain
• Adjustable support
• Fits left or right

RECOMMENDED FOR
Patellar Tendonitis and chronic Tendinosis

Patella Strap LEVEL OF SUPPORT

• Silicone strap applies even pressure to the Patella Tendon

• Padded back strap for comfort
• Fits left or righ

RECOMMENDED FOR
Pressure relief around the patella
 Calf LEVEL OF SUPPORT

• 3 compression zones strategically placed around shin and calf

• Silicone bands offer targeted muscle support
• Fits left or right
CALF

RECOMMENDED FOR
Overuse symptoms, minor inflammation/swelling and stiff/achy joints

LACE-UP Ankle LEVEL OF SUPPORT

• Lightweight, easy-to-apply brace with Figure 8 and circumferential straps

• Stabilize the heel and prevent ankle sprains
• Fits left or right

RECOMMENDED FOR
Ankle sprains and strains and ankle instability

Ankle LEVEL OF SUPPORT

• Compressive knit provides support and stability

ANKLE

• Tape-like silicone bands reinforce support

• Fits left or right

RECOMMENDED FOR
Repetitive motion or fatigue symptoms, weak ankles, minor sprains or strains in
ligaments and tendons
COMPEX TAPE
Compex kinesiology tape is an elastic, non-medicated, adhesive tape, made of high-quality cotton with an
acrylic adhesive layer. Compex tape can be worn for several days, is free from latex and is water resistant.

MAIN FUNCTIONS
• Supporting muscles
• Removing congestion to the flow of body fluids
• Correcting joint problems and improving
proprioception
• Relieving musculoskeletal pai

BLACK BLUE

PINK BEIGE

RECOMMENDED FOR
• Relieving pain
• Increasing body awareness, proprioception
• Increasing blood circulation and activating the lymphatic system
• Activating healing systems in the body
• Increasing muscle functions and movements
• Providing structural support to joints and muscle movements

COMMON FEATURES

STRONG
SUPPORT ADHESION

WATER
LIGHTWEIGHT RESISTANT
BOOST YOUR
PERFORMANCE*

IMPROVE YOUR STRENGTH +27%

IMPROVE YOUR EXPLOSIVITY +15%

IMPROVE YOUR VERTICAL JUMP +14%

INCREASE YOUR MUSCLE VOLUME +8%

REDUCE LACTIC ACID -25 %

* Scientific studies available on compex.info

350 X

20min
WITH COMPEX
160 X

WWW.COMPEX.INFO
@COMPEX_INT COMPEXINTER
FOLLOW US
COMPEXINTER COMPEXINFO
000-00004075-EN - REV B

Compex products are dedicated to the stimulation of the motor neurons of healthy people to improve / facilitate muscle performance, muscle recovery and increase
blood flow. It is intended for the stimulation of sensory nerves to obtain analgesic effects. It is a medical product registered and CE marked.