Effects of Inducing Cardiac-locomotor Synchronization on Lower Muscle Perfusion during Walking in a Patient with Arteriosclerosis Obliterans: A Case Study

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this case study was to clarify whether cardiac-locomotor synchronization had clinical significance for a patient with peripheral circulatory disturbance. [Subjects and Methods] One patient with arteriosclerosis obliterans presenting with intermittent claudication was the subject of this case study. The subject walked, paced by heart beat and at three different rhythms on a treadmill. The extent of ischemia in the lower limbs was estimated using local tissue oxygen saturation on the affected posterior surface of the legs. [Results] The local tissue oxygen saturation during walking paced by heart beat was the highest. [Conclusion] This result suggests that cardiac-locomotor synchronization has a positive effect on peripheral circulation in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans.