I. WARNINGS
- Important counter-indications
- Cardiac stimulator (pacemaker)
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy (no positioning in the abdominal area)
- Serious arterial circulatory problems in the lower limbs
- Abdominal or inguinal hernia
Precautions when using the Compex
- After trauma or a recent operation (less than 6 months)
- Muscular atrophy
- Persistent pains
- Need for muscular rehabilitation
The presence of osteosynthesis equipment (metallic equipment in contact with the bone: pins, screws, plates, prostheses, etc.) is not a counter-indication for the use of Compex programs. The electrical current of the Compex is specially designed to have no harmful effect with regard to osteosynthesis equipment.
In all of the above cases, you are advised to:
- never use the Compex for prolonged periods without medical advice;
- consult your doctor if you are in any doubt whatsoever;
- read this manual carefully and the applications manual which provides information concerning the effects and indications of each stimulation program.
What you should not do with the Compex and the MI-Sensor System
- Do not use the Compex or the msystem in water or in a humid atmosphere (sauna, hydrotherapy, etc.).
- Never carry out an initial stimulation session on a person who is standing. The first five minutes of stimulation must always be performed on a person who is sitting or lying down. In rare instances, very highly strung people may have a vagal reaction. This is of psychological origin and is connected with a fear of the muscle stimulation as well as surprise at seeing one of their muscles contract without having intentionally contracted it themselves. This vagal reaction produces a feeling of weakness with a fainting tendency, slowing down of the heartrate and a reduction in arterial blood pressure. If this does occur, all that is required is to stop the stimulation and lie down with the legs raised for the time it takes for the feeling of weakness to disappear (5 to 10 minutes).
- Never allow movement resulting from muscular contraction during a stimulation session. You should always stimulate isometrically; this means that the extremities of the limb in which a muscle is being stimulated must be firmly fixed, so as to prevent the movement that results from contraction.
- Only use the electrode cables supplied by Compex.
- Do not disconnect the stimulator electrode cables during the session without first switching off the stimulator.
- Never connect stimulation cables to an external electric power supply because of risk of electric shock.
- No not use rechargeable batteries other than the one supplied by Compex.
- Never recharge the stimulator when cables and electrodes are still connected onto the user.
- Never recharge the batteries with another charger than the one supplied with the Compex.
- Never use the Compex or the charger if it is damaged (case, cables, etc.) or if the compartment for the rechargeable battery is open. There is a risk of electric discharge.
- Disconnect immediately the charger if the Compex “bleeps” continuously, in case of abnormal heating or smell, or if smoke comes from the charger or the Compex. Do not recharge the batteries in a confined area (case, etc.) because of risk of fire or electric discharge.
- Keep the Compex and its accessories out of the reach of children.
- Do not allow any foreign items (soil, water, metal, etc.) to enter into the Compex, the compartment for the rechargeable battery and the charger.
- Sudden temperature variations can create droplets in the device due to condensation. Use the device only once it reached ambient temperature.
- Do not use the Compex while driving or operating machinery.
- Do not use the stimulator in the mountains at an altitude higher than 3.000 metres
- To the head.
- Counter-laterally: do not use the two poles of the same channel (one electrode connected to the positive/ red pole and one electrode connected to the negative/black pole) on either side of the body centreline (eg: right arm and left arm).
- To or in the vicinity of skin lesions of any kind (wounds, inflammations, burns, irritations, eczema, etc.).
- To access the MI functions of the Compex, the special electrode cable of the MI-Sensor system must be connected before the device is switched on.
- Avoid connecting the special electrode cable of the MI-Sensor system when the Compex is switched on.
- Do not disconnect the special electrode cable of the MI-Sensor system before switching off the device.
- To work corretly, the MI-Sensor system must not be blocked or subjected to pressure.
Precautions when using the electrodes and the motor point pen.
- Only use the electrodes/the pen supplied by Compex. Other electrodes/ pens may have electrical properties that are unsuitable for the Compex stimulator.
- Do not remove or move the electrodes during a stimulation session without first switching off the instrument.
- Do not plunge the electrodes/the pen into water.
- Do not apply a solvent of any kind to the electrodes/the pen.
- Before applying the electrodes, it is recommended to wash and degrease the skin, and then dry it.
- Apply the whole surface of the electrodes to the skin.
- For very important reasons of hygiene, each user must have his own electrode set. Do not use the same electrodes on different people.
- Do not use a set of electrodes for more than fifteen sessions, as the quality of the contact between the electrode and the skin, which is important for the comfort and effectiveness of stimulation, progressively degrades.
- In certain people with very sensitive skin, redness may be observed under the electrodes after a stimulation session. Generally, this redness is completely harmless and disappears after 10 to 20 minutes. However, avoid starting a stimulation session on the same area until the redness is no longer evident.
- Before using the motor point pen, clean and disinfect the tip of the pen.
II. PRESENTATION
Guarantee
Refer to the flyer attached.
Maintenance
To clean your unit, use a soft duster and an alcohol-based cleaning product, which does not contain any solvents.
The user must not attempt any repairs to the device or any of its accessories. Never dismantle the Compex or the charger containing high-voltage parts because of risk of electric discharge.
Compex Médical SA declines all responsibility for damages and consequences resulting from any attempt to open, modify or repair the device or any of its components by a person or a service centre not officially approved by Compex Médical SA.
Compex stimulators do not require calibration or verification of performance parameters. The characteristics are systematically verified and validated for each device manufactured. These characteristics are stable and do not vary when used under normal conditions.
If your device seems not to function as expected, regardless of the situation, contact an official Compex service centre for assistance.
Medical and health professionals must refer to local legislation for information related to maintenance. Normally, these laws require verification of certain criteria at regular intervals.
The Compex contains rechargeable batteries and so the storage and transportation conditions must not exceed the following figures:
- Storage and transportation temperature: from -20°C to 45°C
- Max. relative humidity: 75%
- Atmospheric pressure: from 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Use conditions
- Temperature of use: from 0°C to 40°C
- Max. relative humidity: from 30% to 75%
- Atmospheric pressure: from 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Elimination
The Directive 2002/96/CEE (WEEE) has a first priority, the prevention of waste electrical and electronic equipment, and in addition, the re-use, recycling and other forms of recovery of such wastes so as to reduce the disposal of waste. The pictogram wheeled bin barred means that the equipment can not be thrown with the household refuse, but that it makes the object of a selective collection.
The equipment has to be given to a suitable collection point for the treatment. By this way, you contribute to the safeguarding of the natural resources and the human health protection.
Batteries must be disposed of in accordance with your country’s national laws governing the disposal of such items.
Standards
The Compex is based directly on medical technology. To guarantee your safety, the design, manufacturing and distribution of Compex are in conformity with the requirements of the European Directive 93/42/CEE.
The device is in conformity with the standard for general safety rules for electromedical devices IEC 60601-1, the standard for electromagnetic compatibility IEC 60601-1-2 and the standard for special safety rules for nerve and muscle stimulators IEC 60601-2-10.
Current international standards (IEC 60601-2-10 AM1 2001) require that a warning be given concerning the application of electrodes to the thorax (increased risk of cardiac fibrillation). Directive 2002/96/CEE Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
III. HOW DOES ELECTROSTIMULATION WORK?
The principle of electrostimulation is to stimulate nerve fibres by means of electrical impulses transmitted by electrodes. The electrical impulses generated by Compex stimulators are high-quality impulses – ensuring safety, comfort and efficiency – that stimulate different types of nerve fibres:
- the motor nerves to stimulate a muscular response. The quantity of work and the benefits obtained depend on the stimulation parameters. This is known as electromuscularstimulation (EMS).
- certain types of sensitive nerve fibres to obtain analgesic or pain-relieving effects
Motor nerve stimulation (EMS) In voluntary activity, the order for muscular work comes from the brain, which sends a command to the nerve fibres in the form of an electrical signal. This signal is then transmitted to the muscular fibres, which contract.
The principle of electrostimulation accurately reproduces the process observed during a voluntary contraction. The stimulator sends an electrical current impulse to the nerve fibres, exciting them. This excitation is then transmitted to the muscular fibres causing a basic mechanical response (= muscular twitch). The latter constitutes the basic requirement for muscular contraction.
This muscular response is completely identical to muscular work controlled by the brain. In other words, the muscle cannot distinguish whether the command comes from the brain or from the stimulator.
The parameters of the Compex 94 programs (number of impulses per E n glis h Manuel MI-SPORT:MI-SPORT-ME 0909 10/09/09 19:19 Page 94 second, contraction time, rest time, total program time) subject the muscles to different types of work, according to muscular fibres. In fact, different types of muscular fibres may be distinguished according to their respective contraction speed: slow, intermediate and fast fibres. The fast fibres will obviously predominate in a sprinter, while a marathon runner will have more slow fibres.
With a good knowledge of human physiology and a perfect mastery of the stimulation parameters of the various programs, the muscular work can be directed very precisely towards the desired goal (muscular reinforcement, increased blood flow, firming up, etc.).
Stimulation of the sensitive nerves
The electrical impulses can also excite the sensitive nerve fibres to obtain an analgesic or pain-relieving effect. The stimulation of the tactile sensitive nerve fibres blocks the transmission of pain by the nervous system. The stimulation of another type of sensitive fibres creates an increase in the production of endorphins and, therefore, a reduction of pain.
With pain relief programs, electrostimulation can be used to treat localized sharp or chronic pains as well as muscular pains.
IV. USE PRINCIPLES
The use principles presented in this section should be considered general rules. For all programs, it is recommended that you read carefully the information and advice on use presented in the applications manuals.
Placement of electrodes
A different electrode must be connected to each of the two poles.
Note: It is possible and normal to have an electrode arrangement that leads one electrode connection free from a cable.
Depending on the characteristics of the current used for each program, the electrode connected to the positive pole (red connection) is more effective when placed in a “strategic” position.
For all muscle electrostimulation programs, i.e., programs involving muscle contractions, it is important to place the positive polarity electrode on the muscle motor point.
The 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. For stimulation with the mi-sensor system, all the suggested placements represents the optimal positioning of this system. It is therefore recommended that you follow these indications strictly.
The stimulation position depends on the muscular group to be stimulated and the program chosen.
For the programs involving powerful muscular contractions, the muscle should always be stimulated in an isometric fashion. Consequently, you should fix the extremity of the stimulated 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. IV. USE PRINCIPLES The use principles presented in this section should be considered general rules. For all programs, it is recommended that you read carefully the information and advice on use presented in the applications manuals. For the other types of programs (for example, the Pain and Recovery programs), which do not involve muscular contractions, position yourself as comfortably as possible.
Setting the stimulation energy level
In a stimulated muscle, the number of recruited fibres depends on the stimulation energy. It is therefore absolutely necessary to use maximum stimulation energies so as to involve the greatest possible number of fibres. Below a significant stimulation energy level, it is pointless, for an average user, to do stimulation sessions. In fact, the number of fibres involved in the stimulated muscle is too low for any interesting improvement in the performance of that muscle.
The progress of a stimulated muscle will be all the greater if a high number of its fibres are recruited by the Compex. If only 1/10 of the fibres of a muscle work under stimulation, only that 1/10 can progress. That is obviously much less appreciable than if 9/10 of the fibres work and can therefore progress. You should therefore take care to work with maximum stimulation energies, i.e., always at the limit of what you can support.
There is obviously no need for you to reach the maximum current strength right from the first contraction of the first session of the first cycle. If you have never used Compex stimulation before, you should do only half of the desired programme during the first 3 sessions with sufficient energy to produce powerful muscular contractions to familiarise yourself with the technique of electrostimulation. You can then start your first stimulation cycle with your own specific program and level. After the warm-up, which must produce very clear muscular twitches, you should raise the stimulation energy progressively, from contraction to contraction, during the first three or four minutes of the work sequence. You should also progress with stimulation energies used from session to session, particularly during the first three sessions of a cycle. A normally prepared person will already reach very significant stimulation energies during the fourth session.
Progression in the levels
In 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.
The most frequent error is to change from level to level as stimulation occurs at increasingly higher stimulation energies. The number of fibres subjected to stimulation depends on the stimulation energy. The nature and amount of work that these fibres do depend on the program and level. The aim is, first of all, to progress through the electrical stimulation energies and then through the levels.
The more numerous the muscle fibres you stimulate, the more numerous will be the fibres that are going to progress. But the speed of progress of these fibres and their aptitude for operating at a higher rating depend on the program and level used, the number of sessions per week and the length of these sessions, and also on intrinsic factors particular to each individual. The simplest and most usual procedure is to start with level 1 and raise the level when changing to a new stimulation cycle.
At 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.
Alternation of stimulation sessions / voluntary training
The stimulation sessions can be done outside or during voluntary training. When voluntary training and stimulation are done during the same session, it is generally recommended that the voluntary training be done first followed by the stimulation. This means that the voluntary training is not done on muscle fibres which are already tired. This is particularly important for strength and explosive strength training.
However, in resistance training, it can be very useful to proceed in the reverse order. Before the voluntary training, by means of stimulation for resistance, a “specific pre-fatigue session” is carried out on the muscle fibres without general and cardio-vascular fatigue. In this way, the voluntary effort on the “prepared” fibres will push the glycolytic metabolism faster and further.
V. WHAT IS MI-TECHNOLOGY
MI-Sensor
This is a little sensor that links the stimulator to the electrodes mi-sensor is the key component that enables to measure certain physiological characteristics of a muscle, to analyse them and to adapt the stimulation parameters accordingly. It is this component that allows the muscle to talk.
MI-Scan
This function adapts the electrostimulation session to the physiology of each user. Just before starting the work session mi-scan probes the chosen muscular group and automatically adjusts the stimulator parameters to the excitability of this area of the body. It is a truly personalised measurement.
MI-Action
This is a work mode in which a voluntary muscular contraction is automatically accompanied by a contraction caused by electrostimulation. The electrostimulation contraction is therefore perfectly controlled, and the working session thus becomes more comfortable (from both the psychological and muscular standpoints), more intensive (the muscle works more and in greater depth) and more complete (improvement of coordination).
The optimal stimulation energy needs to be identified and used throughout the TENS program (analgesic). On the basis of the measurements taken regularly during the session, the device permanently and automatically readjusts the stimulation energy to avoid any onset of muscular contraction, which is strongly counter-indicated for programs of this type.
MI-Range
This function indicates the ideal energy adjustment range for the low frequency programs. Using mi-range, you no longer need to ask yourself whether the energy you are using is too high or too low: this function tells you, thus optimising the efficiency of your treatment or training.
Practical rules of use with the mi-sensor system
MI-Scan function
- The mi-scan function is accessible only for programs requiring the choice of a muscular group.
- The mi-scan function allows you to adapt the characteristics of the stimulation impulses to the individual specificities of each person and the excitability characteristics of the stimulated muscle. This function is implemented, at the start of the program, by a short sequence during which measurements are taken (a horizontal bar scans the figurine at the left of the screen).
- Throughout the entire measurement test, you must remain completely s 4till and be perfectly relaxed. The mi-sensor system is very sensitive: the smallest contraction or the least movement could distrub the measurement test.
- The duration of the mi-scan test varies depending on the muscle involved and the individual characteristics of each person. The test lasts 12 seconds on average and never more than 21 seconds.
- During the test, an unpleasant tickling sensation may sometimes be felt by certain people.
- Once the test has been completed, the program can start.
MI-Action mode
- The mi-action mode allowsthe user to start the muscular contraction phase by voluntarily contracting the stimulated muscle. It thus offers an opportunity to associate voluntary work and stimulation.
- The mi-action mode is available only for certain programs that allow this work mode.
- Programs using the mi-action mode are always preceded by the mi-scan measurement test.
- The mi-action work mode is operational during the active rest phases of a work sequence. It is not operational during warming-up and relaxation sequences.
- After the warming-up phase, the first muscular contraction is started automatically.
- The voluntary start of a contraction (during an active rest phase) is possible only within a given time span that varies depending on the program used.
MI-Tens function
- The mi-tens function allows you to limit considerably the onset of unwanted muscular contractions, thus assuring a maximum of comfort and effectiveness.
- The mi-tens function is available only for the Modulated TENS and Epicondylitis.
- For these programs, the mi-tens function allows you to control the stimulation energies while maintaining them at an effective level and considerably limiting the onset of muscular contractions.
- Short measurement tests (lasting 2 to 3 seconds) are carried out regularly throughout the entire program.
- There is a test phase after each increase of the stimulation energies. To ensure the correct performance of these tests, you must remain perfectly still during this time.
- Depending on the results of the measurement tests recorded by the device, the level of the stimulation energies may be slightly decreased automatically.
- It is important always to adopt the most comfortable possible stimulation position. Also, you should try to remain still and not contract the muscles of the stimulated area.
- This function indicates the ideal energy adjustment range for programs whose efficiency requires vigorous muscular twitches.
- The mi-range function is therefore accessible only for programs using low stimulation frequencies (less than 10 Hertz).
- For programs allowing the use of the mi-range function, the stimulator checks whether you are in the ideal energy range. If you are below the range, the stimulator prompts you to increase the energy by displaying signs.
- Once the stimulator has detected your ideal adjustment range, a bracket appears to the right of the bar chart of the channel to which the mi-sensor system is connected. This bracket indicates the energy range within which you should work for optimal stimulation.
- If you adjust the stimulation energy below the ideal treatment range, the stimulator prompts you to increase it again with a continuous display of blinking signs.
Practical rules of use in the mi-action mode
The electrostimulation carried out with the “classic” type programs of the Compex gives particularly convincing results. The mi technology with which your stimulator is equipped goes even further and offers many additional advantages. The programs of the categories Sport, Cross-training, Conditioning and Rehabilitation, used in mi-action mode, offer certain undeniable benefits:
- They ensure even more effective work, as they associate voluntary exercises and electrostimulation, which together stimulate the muscular fibres more intensively.
- They leave the user free to choose whether to start a contraction, thus making the use of electrostimulation even more comfortable.
- They require active participation and encourage the user to become fully involved in his treatment.
To make the most of all these advantages, it is particularly important to comply with certain rules of use.
The following table shows the different muscular groups and gives some very useful indications concerning the best stimulation position to adopt and how to start a contraction voluntarily.
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Muscular groups
Placement of electrodes
Stimulation positions
Voluntary start of the contraction phase
Plantar arch muscles
Take up a seated position with your feet resting on the floor
Vigorously contract the muscles of your plantar arch, trying to dig your toes into the floor.
Peroneous muscles
Contract your peroneous muscles by exercising a vigorous pressure on the floor with your big toe, while also trying to raise the outer toes from the floor.
Vigorously contract the muscles of your plantar arch, trying to dig your toes into the floor.
Tibialis anterior
Take up a seated position with your feet placed under a piece of furniture, to avoid any ankle bending
Contract your tibialis anterior muscles while vigorously trying to raise the tip of your foot against an object that resists and prevents this movement
Calf muscles
Take up a seated position with your back and feet firmly placed against supports This position is easy to adopt by sitting, for example, in a doorframe
Vigorously contract your calf muscles while strongly trying to push the tip of your foot against an object that resists and prevents this movement
Hamstrings
Lie flat on your stomach with your ankles fixed in a convenient way
Contract vigorously the muscles on the back of the thigh (hamstrings) while trying to bend your knees
Adductors
Take up a seated position and place a rigid (but comfortable) object between your knees
Strongly contract your adductors, while vigorously trying to bring your knees together
Quadriceps
Take up a seated position
Strongly contract your quadriceps, while trying to extend your legs
Buttocks
Lie down on your stomach or stand up
Vigorously contract your buttock muscles, while strongly trying to close your buttocks and trying to bring your thighs behind your trunk
Abdominal muscles
Lie down stretched out on your back, which can be slightly raised
Strongly contract your abdominal muscles, while strongly trying to raise your head and shoulders from their support
Low back muscles
Take up a seated position
Vigorously contract the low back muscles, while making an effort to sit as tall as possible
Erector spinalis
Take up a seated position
Vigorously contract the dorsal region muscles, while making an effort to sit as tall as possible
Cervical muscles
Take up a seated position
Vigorously contract the dorsal region muscles, while making an effort to sit as tall as possible
Trapezius
Take up a seated position
Strongly contract your trapezius muscles, while vigorously trying to shrug your shoulders
Trapezius
Take up a seated position
Strongly contract your trapezius muscles, while vigorously trying to shrug your shoulders
Deltoids
Take up a seated position, with your elbows placed inside armrests to create resistance of the arms to their movement away from the body
Vigorously contract your deltoids, while strongly trying to move your elbows away from your body
Latissimus dorsi
Take up a seated position, with your elbows placed outside armrests to create resistance of the arms to their movement towards the body
Vigorously contract your latissimus dorsi, while strongly trying to move your elbows towards your body
Pectoralis
Take up a seated position, with the palms of your hands in contact with each other
Vigorously contract your pectoral muscles, while trying to press strongly the palms of your hands against each other
Triceps
Take up a seated position, with your forearms and hands resting on armrests
Vigorously contract your triceps, while strongly trying to dig the palms of your hands into the armrests
Biceps
Take up a seated position, with your forearms resting on armrests and the palms of your hands imperatively facing upwards Use a fixing system to avoid any movement of your elbows during stimulation
Vigorously contract your biceps, while trying strongly to move the palms of your hands towards your shoulders
Hand extensors
Take up a seated position, with your forearms and the palms of your hands resting on armrests Fix your hands solidly to the armrests
Vigorously contract your hand extensors muscles, while trying to raise your hands
Hand flexors
Take up a seated position, with your forearms resting on armrests Hold a crush-proof object in your hands so that your fingers are slightly bent
Strongly contract your hand flexors muscles, while strongly trying to grip the object that you were holding in your hands
VI. DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Presentation of the device
A – “On/Off” switch
B – “i” button: – to increase the energy level of several channels simultaneously – to gain access to the top 5 menu (the 5 most recently used programs) – to gain access to the contraction info menu (times and number of contractions)
C – Sockets for the 4 electrode cables 1. Presentation of the device
D – Electrode cables channel 1 = blue channel 2 = green channel 3 = yellow channel 4 = red
E – Electrode cable for the m—4system
F – “+”/“–” keys of the 4 stimulation channels
G – Compartment for the rechargeable battery H – Belt clip socket
Connections
Connecting the electrodes and cables The electrode cables are connected to the stimulator through sockets on the base of the device. Four cables can be connected simultaneously to the four channels of the device.
In addition to the four classic electrode cables, a fifth electrode cable is supplied with your Compex. This cable is equipped with the mi-sensor system giving access to all the m (muscle intelligence) functions of your stimulator.
This special cable of the mi-sensor system can be connecter to any one of the four sockets of the stimulation channels located on the front of the device and two electrodes are “clipped” onto it in the same way as for a classic cable.
The Compex is supplied with a motor point pen that allows you to locate exactly the motor point of the muscular group(s) to be stimulated. The following diagram indicates how to connect this accessory.
Connecting the charger
The Compex has considerable operating autonomy, as it uses rechargeable batteries. To recharge them, use the charger supplied with your device and connect it to the base of the device, then plug the charger in a socket.
To recharge the Compex, first disconnect the electrode cables from the device. Before using your stimulator for the first time, it is always strongly recommended that you completely charge the battery to improve its autonomy and extend its working life.
Preliminary settings: language, light intensity and sound volume
Before using the unit for the first time, you should select the working language of the device which is displayed on the options screen. Proceed as per the instructions described below.
Afterwards, for the greatest comfort, Compex offers you a number of setting options (operating language selection, display contrast setting, adjusting backlighting and sound volume setting).
To do this, display the options screen by pressing the “On/Off” switch on the left of the Compex and hold it down for a few seconds.
2a To select the language of your choice, press the “+”/“–” key of channel 1.
2b To set the contrast of the display, press the “+”/“–” key of channel 2.
2c To set the sound volume, press the “+”/“–” of channel 3.
2d To adjust backlighting, press the “+”/“–” key on channel 4 (on: backlighting is permanently activated; off: it is not activated; auto: it is activated every time a key is pressed)
2e To confirm the parameters selected, press the “On/Off” switch. Your stimulator saves your options. It is now ready for use with the settings you selected.
Selecting a program category
To switch on your stimulator, briefly press the “On/Off” switch on the left of the Compex. A musical signal can be heard and a screen showing the different program categories is displayed. Before choosing a program, you should select the desired category.
3a To select the desired category, press the “+”/“–” key of channel 1.
3b To confirm your choice and to move on to the program selection screen, press the “+”/“–” key of channel 4.
3c Press the “On/Off” key to switch off the stimulator.
Selecting a program
To choose a program, it is particularly useful to consult the applications manual. Regardless of the category you selected in the previous step, a list containing a select number of programs appears on the screen.
4b Press the “On/Off” key to return to the previous screen.
4c After selecting the desired program, press the “+”/“–” key of channel 4 which, depending on the program selected, displays the symbol or . a) = the stimulation session starts immediately; b) = a parameter setting screen displays.
TOP 5
To make your Compex more pleasant and easier to use, the TOP 5 menu allows you to directly access the 5 most recently used programs. In order to do so, press the “i” key when the screen showing the different program categories is visible (fig. 3). The TOP 5 menu will appear with a list of your 5 most recently used programs.
4d To select the desired program, press the “+”/“–” key of channel 1.
4e Press the “On/Off” key to return to the previous screen.
4f-g After highlighting the programme that you have chosen, press the“+”/“–” key on channel 3 until a parameter setting screen appears or press the “+”/“–” key on channel 4 to
Personalising a program
The program personalisation screen is not available for all programs!
During the stimulation session
If the mi-scan system is active, the mi-scan test starts immediatly after the ogram for which the choice of a muscular group is justified. Using m technology, this choice is made automatically by the Compex, through test measurements of individual neuromuscular specificities and the excitability characteristics of the muscle to be stimulated.
6a The small symbol is displayed above the channel to which the special cable of the mi-sensor system is connected, indicating that the syste is active (in the above example, the m—sensor cable is connected to channel 1).
6b The “+”/“–” keys of the four stimulation channels are inactive. It is not possible to influence the stimulation energies for the entire duration of the test. However, the numerical representation of the stimulation energy of the channel to which the mi-sensor cable is connected varies automatically during the test to satisfy the needs of the various measurements taking place.
6c For the entire duration of the test, a scroll bar vertically scans the figurine symbolising the mi-scan function. The duration of the test varies depending on the characteristics of the muscular group and the person being tested. At most it lasts 21 seconds.
6d The test can be stopped by pressing the “On/Off” key ( symbol). You can then either restart the entire test by pressing the key of a stimulation channel, or press the “On/Off” key a second time.
Setting stimulation energies
When the program starts and, if necessary, after the mi-scan test, the Compex prompts you to increase the stimulation energies, a key factor for the effectiveness of the stimulation. To find out what energy level needs to be reached for each program, refer to the program table in the applications menu.
7a The Compex “bleeps” and the symbols of the four channels flash, changing from “+” to “000”: the four channels are at 0 energy. You must increase the stimulation energy so that the stimulation can start. To do this, press the “+” of the keys of the relevant channels, until the desired setting is reached. If you want to increase the energy level of all four channels simultaneously, press the “i” button, located below the “On/Off” key. You can also increase the energy level of three first channels, by pressing the “i” button twice, or the energy level of two first channels only, by pressing three times this button. Once you activate the “i” button, the associated channels are highlighted in white on a black background.
7b Remaining time in minutes and seconds.
7c The animated rising convection symbol represented the warming-up sequence.
7d Session progression scale. For details on how it works, see the following section (“program progression”).
7e By pressing the “On/Off” key, you can return to the previous screen.
Program progression
Stimulation does really start when the stimulation energy has been increased. The examples reproduced below are sufficient to understand the general rules.
8a Remaining time (in minutes and seconds) before the end of the program.
8b A small animated symbol indicating the category to which the program belongs.
8c Session progression scale: The progression scale is composed of three distinct parts: the program consists of three stimulation sequences, i.e., warming up (light hatching /left), the actual work (black area/centre) and relaxation at the end of the program (heavier hatching/right). The progression scale can be also entirely hatched: the program then consists of a single stimulation sequence. The small cursor located just below the scale indicates precisely the state of progression of the program.
8d Contraction and active rest time bar: This bar is displayed, but only during the work sequence. It indicates the duration of the contraction (black part) and active rest times (hatched part).
8e Bar charts: The muscular contraction phase is represented by the black bar charts. The active rest phase is represented by the hatched bar charts.
8f You can interrupt the program momentarily ( = “PAUSE”) by pressing the “On/Off” key. To restart the session, simply press the “+”/“–” key of channel 4. After an interruption, stimulation restarts at 80% of the stimulation energy set before the “STOP”.
Contraction info
For programs provoking muscular contraction, the contraction info screen allows you to visualise in real time the number of contractions completed and the length of time spent in contraction. To access this information, press the “i” key and hold it down during the program.
9b Number of contractions
For some programs, the skip function allows you to end the current sequence and move on automatically to the following sequence of the program. To access the skip function, you must first of all put the stimulator into the “Pause” mode.
10a Press the “+” / “–” key of channel 3 (skip function represented by the symbol).
10b If you skip a sequence, the stimulator bleeps loudly and the cursor located under the progression scale moves to the beginning of the next sequence.
10c To start the sequence of the program you just reached, press the “+” / “–” key of channel 4.
Statistics
Your stimulator includes a statistics menu that allows you to view in real time the important information for a program. To access the statistics screen, you must put the stimulator into the “Pause” mode or wait for the end of the program
11a The mention “MAX” indicates by channel the maximum energy level reached during the contraction phases.
11b The mention “AVG” indicates the average energy level on all the channels used during the contraction phases.
11c The m—6function, represented by a bracket, indicates the percentage of the stimulation time in the ideal energy adjustment range.
11d After viewing this screen, press the “+” / “–” key of channel 4 to resume the program where you interrupted it.
End of program
12a At the end of the session, you hear a musical signal, and a small flag is displayed.
12b The simultaneous presence of a flag and the symbol skip means that you have skipped one or several sequence(s) of the program. You have therefore changed the program being used. Depending on the programs, the displayed information may differ. In some cases, it may also happen that no information is displayed.
11a The mention “MAX” indicates by channel the maximum energy level reached during contraction phases (fig. 11).
11b The mention “AVG” indicates the average energy level on all the channels used during the contraction phases (fig. 11).
11c The m—6function, represented by a bracket, indicates the percentage of the stimulation time in the ideal energy adjustment range (fig. 11).
12c It is then only necessary to switch off the stimulator by pressing the “On/Off” key.
Electricity consumption and recharging
The Compex runs on rechargeable batteries. The discharge time depends on the programs and stimulation energy used.
Before using your stimulator for the first time, it is always strongly recommended that you completely charge the battery to improve its autonomy and extend its working life. If you do not use your device for a long period of time, please regularly recharge the battery.
Electricity consumption
The symbol of a small battery indicates the charge level of the batteries.
13a The small battery symbol has only two reference marks: The batteries are losing their charge. Interrupt the session and recharge the device (see the following section).
13b The symbol normally displayed above the “+”/“–” key of channel 4 has disappeared ( ) and the small battery flashes: The batteries are completely flat. It is no longer possible to use the device. Recharge it immediately (see the following section).
Recharging
To recharge the Compex, first disconnect the electrode cables from the device, then plug the charger in a socket and lastly connect the stimulator to the charger. The charge menu illustrated below appears automatically
14a The Compex has been charging for 3 minutes and 8 seconds (a full charge may take from 1h00 to 1h30 hours with the rapid charger delivered with your device).
14b Charging is in progress and the small battery symbol is not completely full. When charging is completed, total charge duration flashes and the small battery is completely full. The Compex switches off automatically as soon as you disconnect the charger.
Problems and solutions
15-14a The Compex “bleeps” and alternatively displays the symbol of a couple of electrodes and an arrow pointing to the channel where a problem has been detected. Below, the stimulator has detected an electrode fault on channel 2. This message may mean that:
1) there is no electrode connected to this channel;
2) the electrodes are old, worn out and/or the contact is poor: try using new electrodes;
3) the electrode cable is defective: try it using another channel. If cable shows a default again, please replace.
Recharging error
A recharging error may happen during charging. The Compex “bleeps” continuously and the following screen is displayed:
If this message appears, disconnect the charger and the device switches off automatically. Please contact the hotline, noting this error code.
If, for any reason, you experience any other trouble with your device, please contact the hotline mentioned and approved by Compex Médical SA.