The effect of surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation and compression hosiery applied to the lower limb, on the comfort and blood flow of healthy subjects.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a severe disease affecting the venous system of the lower limbs. Compression therapy aims to counteract the venous hypertension caused by CVI. However, in spite of significant advances in compression treatments in recent years, CVI and its associated diseases are frequently characterized by slow healing rates and a need for more aggressive therapies such as surgery. Surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (SNMES) offers potential benefits when used in conjunction with compression therapy by increasing venous return through muscular compression of the calf muscles. In order to assess the long term feasibility of SNMES with compression hosiery as a treatment modality for CVI, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of such a treatment on subject blood flow and comfort levels. This paper presents the results of a study investigating the effects of long term SNMES and compression hosiery applied to the lower limb, in the comfort and blood flow of healthy subjects.
Corley
Gavin J
GJ
National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, Department of Electronic Engineering, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. g.corley1@nuigalway.ie
Breen
Paul P
PP
Grace
Pierce A
PA
OLaighin
Gearóid
G
D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D053828:Stockings, Compression / Q000009:adverse effects*