The Marc Pro Device Improves Muscle Performance and Recovery from Concentric and Eccentric Exercise Induced Muscle Fatigue in Humans: A Pilot Study.

Westcott WL, Chen T, Neric FB, DiNubile N, Bowirrat A, Madigan M, Downs BW, Giordano J, Morse S, LC Chen A, Bajaj A, Kerner M, Braverman E, Reinl G, Blakemore M, Whitehead S, Sacks L, Blum K. The Marc Pro™ Device Improves Muscle Performance and Recovery from Concentric and Eccentric Exercise Induced Muscle Fatigue in Humans: A Pilot Study. JEPonline 2011;14(2):55-67. To date, a product or routine that consistently relieves delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) caused by eccentric exercise has yet to be identified. Our latest research results indicate that a new device called Marc Pro™ (MPD) significantly improves muscle recovery and muscle endurance from combined concentric and eccentric exercise in healthy recreational exercisers. In the first study, 14 subjects (no prior soreness upon study entry) performed strength training activity (leg extension exercise with eccentric emphasis) to produce DOMS in the quadriceps muscles. All participants received one-hour of MPD stimulation on the right leg only following the exercise session whereby each participant served as their own control. One day later, assessment of muscle soreness revealed significantly less discomfort in the right leg (MPD) than in the left leg (no MPD) in all subjects and in responders, respectively ( p < 0.008; p < 0.002 ). The number of repetitions completed with the right leg (MPD) was significantly greater than the number of repetitions completed with the left leg (no MPD) in all subjects and in responders, respectively (p < 0.03; p < 0.008). In the second experiment, 13 subjects (no prior soreness upon study entry) utilized a modestly challenging uphill/downhill hike to produce DOMS in the quadriceps muscles. Following the hike the subjects' right leg received MPD stimulation for 60 minutes, whereas the left leg received no MPD application. Reported soreness was significantly less in the right leg (MPD) than in the left leg (no MPD) in all participants and in responders, respectively (p < 0.0008; p < 0.0002). These results suggest that MPD stimulation results in a significant reduction in DOMS following strenuous unaccustomed eccentric exercise and significantly greater muscle endurance performance, as measured by leg extension repetitions. Investigation of Marc Pro in a larger population is underway and must await confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]