Abstract
Background: To evaluate the sustained effects of local low-frequency vibration delivered via an air mattress-integrated vibrator on blood flow in the heel and lower leg of healthy adults. Methods: Using a randomized crossover design, 12 healthy adults were exposed to both the experimental (vibration application)and control (no vibration)conditions, with a 1-day washout period. Blood flow, skin surface temperature, and subjective evaluations (comfort, discomfort, numbness, and pain)were assessed at baseline, during the 15-minute intervention, and at different follow-up time points. Blood flow was measured skin covering the plantar venous plexus and the great saphenous vein of the lower leg using a laser tissue oxygenation monitor. Results: Total and oxygenated hemoglobin significantly increased following the intervention, persisting for 105 minutes in the heel and 75 minutes in the lower leg. No significant changes were found in skin surface temperature. Subjective evaluations revealed no significant differences between the experimental and control conditions. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Local low-frequency vibration effectively enhances and sustains blood flow in the heel and lower leg, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive intervention for circulation improvement. These findings may contribute to the development of standardized protocols for clinical use.
