The effects of arm elevation and overnight head-up tilt on forearm and hand volume.
Methods to reduce increased fluid volume, or swelling, were evaluated as short- and long-term interventions. Forearm and hand volumes were measured in 45 fit and healthy subjects using a water displacement device with previously established reliability. Volumes were measured before and after 2 hours of recumbency and before and after overnight sleep under different conditions of arm elevation or head-up tilt. No arms-at-side lying-down position, whether after 2 hours awake or after overnight sleep or with bed-head elevated or not, resulted in significant changes in forearm and hand volume. Only 2 hours in a supine lying-down position with 30 degrees of arm elevation caused a significant effect, with an average decrease of 51 ml in forearm and hand volume.
Boland
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RA
School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia. R.Boland@cchs.usyd.edu.au
Adams
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RD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D001510:Bed Rest; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000502:physiology*; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D013997:Time Factors