Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

Pulse wave velocity for assessment of arterial stiffness among people with spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Masae Miyatani1, Kei Masani, Paul I Oh

  • 1Lyndhurst Center, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 3V9. miyatani.masae@torontorehab.on.ca

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|March 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have higher aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), indicating an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study compared PWV in SCI and non-SCI groups, finding significantly elevated aortic PWV in the SCI cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular research
  • Neurology
  • Biomedical engineering

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of mortality in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
  • Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a recognized predictor of CAD in the general population.
  • No previous studies have reported PWV values specifically for individuals with SCI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare aortic, arm, and leg pulse wave velocity (PWV) between individuals with SCI and able-bodied controls.
  • To determine if aortic PWV differs between these groups as a potential indicator of cardiovascular risk in SCI.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 12 men with SCI and 9 age-, sex-, height-, and weight-matched non-SCI controls.
  • Exclusion criteria included a history of CAD or current metabolic syndrome.
  • Aortic, arm, and leg PWV were measured using the echo Doppler method.

Main Results:

  • Aortic PWV was significantly higher in the SCI group (1,274 cm/s) compared to the non-SCI group (948 cm/s) (P < 0.05).
  • No significant differences were observed in arm PWV between the SCI (1,152 cm/s) and non-SCI (1,237 cm/s) groups.
  • Similarly, leg PWV did not differ significantly between the SCI (1,096 cm/s) and non-SCI (994 cm/s) groups.

Conclusions:

  • Individuals with SCI exhibited higher mean aortic PWV compared to their able-bodied counterparts.
  • Elevated aortic PWV in the SCI group suggests an increased risk for coronary artery disease, even without metabolic syndrome.
  • Aortic PWV may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk in the SCI population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging06:08

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Published on: February 7, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound01:19

Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound

To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg01:11

Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg

Proper measurement of leg blood pressure is a critical skill for healthcare providers, ensuring precise and reliable readings. When performed correctly, this procedure informs patient care and enhances the efficacy of interventions. The following text outlines step-by-step guidelines to measure blood pressure in the leg, providing clarity and ease of understanding for practitioners.
Preparation:
Assessment of radial pulse01:11

Assessment of radial pulse

Assessment of Radial Pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps: