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Leg showering therapy in patients with intermittent claudication
S Bornmyr1, H Svensson, D Bergovist
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Allmänna Sjukhuset, Malmö, Sweden.
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This study investigated a novel contrast temperature therapy chair for intermittent claudication. While objective measures of blood flow remained unchanged, patients showed improved walking capacity after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Peripheral Artery Disease
Background:
- Intermittent claudication (IC) significantly impacts quality of life due to peripheral artery disease.
- Current treatments for IC have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.
- Contrast temperature therapy presents a potential non-invasive intervention for improving lower limb circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel contrast temperature therapy chair in patients with intermittent claudication.
- To assess the impact of this treatment on objective vascular measurements and subjective walking capacity.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients diagnosed with intermittent claudication participated in the study.
- Treatment involved 25-minute sessions, three times weekly for five weeks, using a chair with alternating warm and cool water flushed over the legs and feet.
- Objective measures included ankle/arm index, skin perfusion pressure, and calf blood flow, assessed immediately post-treatment and at a 6-month follow-up.
- Walking capacity was also evaluated as a key outcome measure.
Main Results:
- Objective vascular parameters (ankle/arm index, skin perfusion pressure, calf blood flow) showed no significant changes immediately after treatment or at 6-month follow-up.
- A minor increase in the ankle/arm index was noted in the poorer leg at the 6-month follow-up.
- A notable improvement in walking capacity was observed in patients following the 6-month treatment period.
Conclusions:
- The contrast temperature therapy chair did not significantly alter objective measures of peripheral blood flow in patients with intermittent claudication.
- Despite unchanged vascular parameters, patients reported improved walking capacity, suggesting a potential benefit.
- The precise mechanism by which contrast temperature therapy may improve walking capacity in IC remains unclear and warrants further investigation.