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Measurements of calf muscle pump efficiency during simulated ambulation
E A Tucker1, L E Lamb, C Callicott
1Clinical Microvascular Unit, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK.
Objective:
To determine the acceptability and reproducibility of a novel method of measuring calf muscle pump efficiency (CMPE). If confirmed, to examine if the results had implications for the use of elastic compression stockings.
Experimental Design:
A system devised to measure pressure/volume relationships in the calf during simulated ambulation and from which may be derived a value for CMPE.
Setting:
A temperature/humidity controlled vascular laboratory.
Participants:
The study groups were normal subjects and patients with leg pain of more than three months duration with and without chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) identified using infra-red photoplethysmography.
Results:
The system described is widely acceptable and reproducible (r = 0.923). Group analysis showed a significant reduction of CMPE in patients with CVI. However, CMPE varies widely in these patients. Some patients with insufficiency of the deep veins have a normal CMPE.
Conclusions:
These findings have implications for the use of elastic compression stockings and the degree of compression applied.
