Are the effects of local joint movement on blood flow limited to the vertebral and internal carotid arteries? Doppler studies of the ulnar artery.
OBJECTIVE
To determine what effect wrist extension has on ulnar artery blood flow.


METHODS
This is a descriptive study performed at a private chiropractic clinic. SUBJECT SELECTION: Sixty-three ulnar arteries were examined from thirty-two volunteers, 15 men and 17 women, whose ages ranged from 21-75 yr. Only wrists that were asymptomatic and freely mobile were candidates for ulnar artery examination.


METHODS
The arteries were insonated approximately 2 cm proximal to the pisiform bone using a continuous-wave Doppler flow meter in the neutral position and during passive wrist extension to the limit with the fingers straightened.


METHODS
The persistence or loss of Doppler signals.


RESULTS
Doppler signals from 83% (0.99 confidence interval: 68% < p < 93%) of arteries stopped. In 4% of vessels, the signals were markedly reduced; in 13%, they remained apparently unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
Blood flow in ulnar arteries can be severely restricted during wrist extension. By using Doppler ultrasound, the ulnar artery may provide a good model of local joint movement effects on arterial blood flow.
Haynes
M J
MJ
High Wycombe Chiropractic Clinic, Australia.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D017535:Ulnar Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000502:physiology*; D014953:Wrist / Q000502:physiology*