Compex Technologies (Nasdaq:CMPX), a worldwide leader in manufacturing, designing and marketing electromedical products used for fitness and sports training, today announced that a leading exercise physiology scientist at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse found the company's next-generation abdominal belt to be highly effective in his independent study of the product.

The SLENDERTONE(R) FLEX(TM) abdominal training system is the first abdominal belt to be cleared for sale in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following indications: improving abdominal muscle tone, strengthening abdominal muscles and developing a firmer abdomen. It utilizes clinically proven, medical-grade electro muscle stimulation (EMS) technology which sets it apart from ab belts previously on the market.

Dr. John Porcari, professor of exercise and sports science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, conducted a study among 24 middle-aged subjects, 12 women and 12 men, who used the belt five days a week for eight weeks. The study showed a significant 72 percent increase in abdominal endurance (measured by how many additional sit-ups a subject could complete) and an average 49 percent increase in abdominal strength. All subjects reported their midsections were firmer and more toned after using the product. The study group's results were compared against a control group of 16 people, which included eight men and eight women who did not use the SLENDERTONE FLEX abdominal belt.

"I was very skeptical of this product when I entered the study," said Rose Marie Cooper, a study participant. "I've had three children and have never been able to tone my stomach. However, after about two weeks of using the belt, I saw a noticeable difference in the firmness of my abdomen. By the end of the trial, while I didn't lose any weight, my waist and my stomach were noticeably flatter and tighter. It was incredible."

Subjects of the study also experienced significant improvements in perceived body shape and body satisfaction, which were assessed via a questionnaire. Thirteen of the subjects, or 54 percent, also felt their posture improved.

"When I tried the SLENDERTONE FLEX abdominal belt, I could immediately tell it was much different than the previous EMS technology I studied," said Porcari. "It produced a strong contraction of the abdominal muscles without pain, indicating the product was strong enough to actually firm and tone the abs without discomfort."

Porcari was commissioned by the American Council on Exercise in 2000 to conduct a study of an at-home EMS unit, which after an eight-week trial showed insignificant changes to appearance, strength or weight-loss. Due to this research, in 2002 the Federal Trade Commission worked with Porcari in its effort to debunk certain ab belt manufacturers' claims that use of their products would result in improved strength and appearance, as well as weight loss. The belts utilized technology similar to the ineffective EMS home-units Porcari previously tested, and they were eventually removed from the U.S. market.

"We are excited, but not surprised, that Dr. Porcari experienced such tremendous results in his independent study of the SLENDERTONE FLEX abdominal belt," said Dan Gladney, chief executive officer for Compex Technologies. "His research should go a long way in helping us combat the negative preconceptions that surround this category caused by previous ab belts. The SLENDERTONE FLEX uses medical-grade, EMS technology that really works."

About SLENDERTONE FLEX and SLENDERTONE GYMBODY Abdominal Belts

SLENDERTONE abdominal belts are based upon EMS technology and are offered in two models, SLENDERTONE FLEX and SLENDERTONE GYMBODY abdominal belts(1). They are distributed by Compex Technologies under license from Bio-Medical Research, Inc. (BMR) of Ireland.

Both belts utilize BMR's patent-pending Concentrated Slendertone Innervation(R) technology, which includes the placement of three medical-grade gel pads over the abdominal muscles and external obliques. Signals from the electrodes target the nerves, which branch out and stimulate all of the abdominal muscles, causing them to contract and relax naturally. This works all of the abdominal muscles at once, strengthening them and thereby firming and toning the users' waist and midsection.

Individuals are advised to use SLENDERTONE abdominal belts daily for four to eight weeks to obtain initial results, and then two to three times per week to maintain results. SLENDERTONE abdominal belt sessions range from 20 to 40 minutes per session; users may work, play or relax while wearing the belt. Individual results will vary. For more product information, visit www.SLENDERTONE.com or call 1-866-FLEX-NOW.

About Compex Technologies

Compex Technologies (Nasdaq:CMPX) is a worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing TENS (Transcutaneous Neuro Electro Stimulation) and EMS products used for pain management, rehabilitation, and sports performance enhancement in clinical, home healthcare, sports and occupational medicine settings. SLENDERTONE abdominal belts are part of a broader line of consumer products from Compex Technologies. The company is the first in the United States to offer consumers EMS technology in FDA-cleared, over-the-counter products for sports-performance enhancement, improved physical fitness and general well-being. Compex recently introduced Compex Sport, a high-end muscle trainer for elite athletes that is endorsed by future football Hall-of-Famer Jerry Rice and five-time world champion triathlete Simon Lessing.

For more information about the company, visit Compex Technologies at compextechnologies.com