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Does limb angular motion raise limb arterial pressure?
D D Sheriff1, T M Mullin, B J Wong
1Department of Integrative Physiology, The University of Iowa, 424 Field House, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. don-sheriff@uiowa.edu
Acta Physiologica (Oxford, England)
|October 24, 2008
Summary
Limb angular motion, like arm swinging, increases arterial pressure by creating centrifugal force. This biomechanical effect enhances blood flow, particularly in the arteries, widening the arterial-venous pressure difference.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Cardiovascular Dynamics
Background:
- Mechanical factors, such as the muscle pump, are known to augment blood flow.
- The role of limb angular motion in affecting local perfusion pressure has been largely overlooked.
- A theoretical model suggests limb angular motion can increase perfusion pressure via centrifugal forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that limb angular motion augments limb arterial pressure.
- To quantify the pressure changes induced by arm swinging.
- To investigate the impact of limb movement on arterial-venous pressure gradients.
Main Methods:
- Nine subjects performed horizontal shoulder flexion at a controlled frequency and duration.
- Finger arterial pressure was measured using photoplethysmography in both moving and non-moving arms.
- Pressure generated within a water-filled tube on the moving limb was measured using a strain gauge.
Main Results:
- Arm swinging significantly increased mean pressure in the tubing (11-14 mmHg).
- The rise in mean finger arterial pressure was greater in the swinging limb (18 mmHg) compared to the resting limb (8 mmHg).
- The observed increase in arterial pressure correlated with the pressure generated by the limb's angular motion.
Conclusions:
- Limb swinging generates centrifugal force, acting as a biomechanical centrifuge.
- This centrifugal force increases arterial pressure but not venous pressure due to venous valves.
- The mechanism widens the arterial-venous pressure difference, potentially augmenting perfusion.
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