Acute Effects of an External Pneumatic Compression Device on Local and Systemic Resistance Vessel Reactivity and Limb Blood Flow

Abstract

High pressure external pneumatic compression (e.g. EECP) has been shown to have marked benefits on vascular reactivity and biology. However it is expensive, uncomfortable, and not easily accessible. Alternatively, low pressure EPC is commercially available, does not require medical supervision, and is low risk.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of low pressure EPC on resting limb blood flow and resistance vessel reactivity in compressed and non‐compressed limbs of healthy young subjects.MethodsTen (n=10) apparently healthy subjects (aged 27.0 ± 10.2 years) were enrolled in this randomized, crossover design study. Subjects reported in the morning, fasted, for two visits separated by at least 24‐hours. Prior to and immediately following application of EPC or sham for 60 minutes, forearm (FBF) and calf blood flow (CBF) were evaluated at baseline and during 3 minutes of reactive hyperemia (RH) using venous occlusion plethysmography. A peristaltic pulse dynamic compression device was employed for EPC treatment with target inflation pressures of ~70 mmHg applied to the lower limbs.ResultsEPC significantly improved peak CBF, but no differences in resting FBF, peak FBF, resting CBF, total CBF and total FBF were observed. imageConclusionsEPC significantly improves acute resistance vascular reactivity in compressed limbs, but not non‐compressed limbs, following 60 minutes of treatment. Therefore, application of low pressure EPC may be efficacious in situations where local alterations of resistance vessel reactivity is desirable.Partial support for this study was provided by the Quinnipiac University Interdisciplinary Program for Research & Scholarship and by NormaTec (Newton Centre, MA)