Muscle blood flow in response to concentric muscular activity vs passive venous compression.
OBJECTIVE
To measure muscle blood flow (MBF) using photoplethysmography (PPG) following concentric muscular activity of the leg (active treatment) or passive venous compression (passive treatment) with or without venous obstruction.


METHODS
In study A, blood flow in the anterior tibial muscle was measured in 15 healthy subjects with a mean age of 30 years. In study B, blood flow in the gastrocnemius muscle was measured in nine healthy subjects with a mean age of 34 years. Subjects performed concentric muscular activity in one leg. Passive venous compression by a venous foot pump was applied in the contralateral leg.


RESULTS
MBF increased significantly following concentric muscular activity, but not following passive venous compression. MBF decreased in both legs when venous obstruction, induced by a thigh tourniquet, was applied. However, MBF was significantly higher following concentric muscular activity than passive venous compression.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that concentric muscular activity produces higher MBF values than passive venous compression.
Zhang
Q
Q
Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Andersson
G
G
Lindberg
L G
LG
Styf
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001810:Blood Volume / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply*; D017156:Photoplethysmography / Q000379:methods*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D014111:Tourniquets; D014680:Veins