Acute angles of head-up tilt do not affect forearm and hand volume

Physiotherapists utilise the effect of gravity in treatment of conditions associated with increased limb volume. In contrast with knowledge about the relationship between body position and lower limb volume, the effect of body position on arm volume is not well understood. To assess the efficacy of a simple intervention proposed for patients to reduce arm volume during sleep, this study investigated the effects on forearm and hand volume of two hours of head-up tilt in supine at three angles of 8, 11 and 14 degrees. Six asymptomatic subjects were measured at each tilt angle over a three-week period. Data indicated that no angle of head-up lying over a two-hour period was associated with any significant reduction in upper limb volume.