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Microcirculation in the footsole as a function of mechanical pressure
M J Meinders1, A de Lange, P M Netten
1TNO Centre for Leather and Shoe Research, Waalwijk, The Netherlands.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|October 1, 1996
Summary
High foot sole pressure stops microvascular blood flow, causing a hyperemic response upon release. This response is pressure-dependent up to 80 kPa, indicating its importance in foot sole health.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
Background:
- Foot sole microcirculation is affected by mechanical pressure during standing and walking.
- Altered pressure-microcirculation interaction may contribute to diabetic foot ulcers.
- Understanding these responses is crucial for preventing foot pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze an experimental setup for measuring foot sole microvascular responses to pressure.
- To investigate the effects of varying mechanical pressures on skin blood flow.
- To assess the hyperemic response after pressure release.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving eleven healthy volunteers.
- Simultaneous measurement of contact pressure and skin blood flux using laser Doppler.
- Application of static pressure (10-160 kPa) to the heel in a supine position.
Main Results:
- Pressures of 40 kPa and above abolished skin microvascular blood flow.
- Pressure release induced a hyperemic response, increasing with pressure up to 80 kPa.
- Higher pressures (beyond 80 kPa) did not enhance hyperemic amplitude but delayed peak response.
Conclusions:
- The developed method effectively measures foot sole pressure-microcirculation interactions.
- Pressures exceeding 40 kPa are sufficient to halt skin microvascular flow.
- A pressure threshold of 80 kPa appears critical for maximal hyperemic response post-release.