抄録
In sitting position, combined effects of movement restriction and hydrostatic pressure difference between the heart and the lower limb might enhance venous pooling/stasis, and then enhance development of deep venous thrombosis. However, our understanding of the actual hemodynamic effects generated by sitting position in the venous circulation of the lower limb remains surprisingly incomplete. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to examine this and the effect of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on the popliteal venous flow was further examined. Fifteen healthy adult volunteers, none with a history of lower limb surgery or thromboembolism, were recruited. One lower limb was randomly selected for stimulation with the other serving as a control. The sitting position significantly decreased maximum velocity (Vmax) from 30.2 ± 5.7 to 6.5 ± 0.5 cm/s at 30 min and continuously suppressed for 120 min. In contrast to the Vmax, cross sectional area was significantly increased from 9.6 ± 1.2 to 53.1 ± 6.7 mm2. Due to the combined effect of the decreased Vmax and the increased cross sectional area, the flow volume was not affected by the sitting position (from 116.8 ± 20.7 to 115.9 ± 21.1 ml/min). The Vmax of the EMS leg was significantly higher than that in the non-EMS leg throughout the 120 min sitting period. There was no difference in the cross sectional area between the EMS leg and the non-EMS leg, while the flow volume was significantly higher in the EMS leg compared in the non-EMS leg. Thus, lower limb venous stasis elicited by sitting position was improved by the EMS. [J Physiol Sci. 2006;56 Suppl:S132]
