Acute Effects of External Pneumatic Compression on Peripheral and Central Hemodynamics

Abstract

Use of external pneumatic compression (EPC) to improve recovery after exercise is increasing. However, the acute hemodynamic effects of EPC have not been determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of EPC on the aortic pressure waveform (AoPW) during EPC therapy. Twenty (n=20) young participants (23.5±3.9 years) were included in this study. Analysis of the AoPW was evaluated continuously using applanation tonometry before, during, and after a single 1‐hr therapeutic session of EPC. A sequential EPC device was employed with target inflation pressures of ~100 mmHg of compression. Peripheral systolic blood pressure was increased by 5.8±1.3 mmHg during EPC and remained elevated 10 minutes post treatment, p<0.05. Aortic systolic blood pressure was increased by 5.9±1.1 mmHg during EPC and remained elevated 10 minutes post treatment, p<0.01. Both peripheral and aortic diastolic blood pressure were significantly increased by 5.1±0.9 and 4.8±0.9 mmHg, respectively, during EPC and remained elevated 10 minutes post treatment, p<0.05. Peripheral and aortic mean arterial pressure were increased by 4.2±1.0 and 4.3±1.1 mmHg, respectively, during EPC and remained elevated 10 minutes post treatment when compared to baseline values, p<0.05. EPC at target inflation pressures of 100mmHg increases total peripheral resistance to lower limb blood flow which results in increases in peripheral and central blood pressures during therapy and persists at least 10 minutes post treatment.