Does weight force application to the lower torso have an influence on inferior vena cava and cardiovascular parameters?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether weight force application to the lower torso can lead to impairment of inferior vena cava (IVC) and cardiovascular parameters.


METHODS
Using ultrasound sonography and impedance cardiography, the effects of a weight force application of 5, 10, 15, and 25 kg to the lower torso, placed in prone position, on IVC diameter and maximal blood flow, mean artery pressure, stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac index, cardiac output, oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), and acceleration index were investigated in 6 healthy volunteers.


RESULTS
The following parameters showed a statistically significant correlation with the amount of weight force applied: IVC diameter: r=-0.83, P < .001; IVC maximal blood flow: r=-0.76, P < .001; cardiac index: r=-0.33, P < .05; and cardiac output: r=-0.32, P < .05.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of moderate weight force to the lower torso can lead to major changes in IVC parameters and minor changes in cardiovascular parameters.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria. astrid.krauskopf@meduniwien.ac.at
Astrid
A
Krauskopf
Marius
M
Mayerhoefer
Felicitas
F
Oberndorfer
Bayda
B
Salameh
Andreas
A
Bur
Barbara
B
Schneider
Daniele
D
Risser
D000328:Adult; D002302:Cardiac Output; D002307:Cardiography, Impedance; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011312:Pressure; D016684:Prone Position; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology