Measurements of calf muscle pump efficiency during simulated ambulation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the acceptability and reproducibility of a novel method of measuring calf muscle pump efficiency (CMPE). If confirmed, to examine if the results had implications for the use of elastic compression stockings.


METHODS
A system devised to measure pressure/volume relationships in the calf during simulated ambulation and from which may be derived a value for CMPE.


METHODS
A temperature/humidity controlled vascular laboratory.


METHODS
The study groups were normal subjects and patients with leg pain of more than three months duration with and without chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) identified using infra-red photoplethysmography.


RESULTS
The system described is widely acceptable and reproducible (r = 0.923). Group analysis showed a significant reduction of CMPE in patients with CVI. However, CMPE varies widely in these patients. Some patients with insufficiency of the deep veins have a normal CMPE.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings have implications for the use of elastic compression stockings and the degree of compression applied.
Tucker
E A
EA
Clinical Microvascular Unit, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK.
Lamb
L E
LE
Callicott
C
C
Cooke
S D
SD
Cooke
E D
ED
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001458:Bandages; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017156:Photoplethysmography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*