Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Ultrasound Assessment of Flow-Mediated Dilation of the Brachial and Superficial Femoral Arteries in Rats
Published on: November 3, 2016
Changes in femoral artery blood flow during thermoneutral, cold, and contrast-water therapy
A Ménétrier1, S Béliard, G Ravier
1EA3920 Marqueurs Pronostiques et Facteurs de Régulations des Pathologies Cardiaques et Vasculaires, Plateforme Exercice Performance Santé Innovation, SFR FED 4234, Franche‑Comté University, Besançon, France - arnaud.menetrier@laposte.net.
Aim:
The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in femoral artery blood flow during cold water immersion (CWI), contrast water therapy (CWT) and thermoneutral water immersion (TWI).
Methods:
Ten athletes came to the laboratory three times, to complete a 20-min procedure in upright position: 4 min in air (baseline), then 16-min full leg TWI (~35 °C), CWI (~12 °C) or CWT (2:2 ~12 °C to ~35 °C) min ratio, in a random order. Blood flow was measured every 2 min: baseline (i.e. min 3 and 1) and throughout water immersion (i.e. min 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15), using Doppler ultrasound in the superficial femoral artery, distal to the common bifurcation (~3 cm), above the water and stocking.
Results:
Compared with baseline, blood flow was significantly higher throughout TWI (min 1 to 15: P<0.001; +74.6%), significantly lower during CWI (from min 7 to 15: P<0.05; -16.2%) and did not change during CWT (min 1 to 15). No changes in blood flow occurred between the hot and cold transitions of CWT.
Conclusion:
This study shows that external hydrostatic pressure (TWI ~35 °C) significantly increases femoral artery blood flow. We also show that associating hydrostatic pressure with cooling (CWI ~12 °C) decreases femoral artery blood flow after a sufficient duration, whereas associating hydrostatic pressure with alternating brief exposures to contrasted temperatures does not change femoral artery blood flow under resting conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...