Pilot Trial of Neuromuscular Stimulation in Human Subjects with Chronic Venous Disease

Neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) has been shown to improve peripheral blood flow in healthy people. We investigated the effect of bilateral leg NMES on the symptoms of chronic venous disease.

Forty subjects were recruited from four groups: healthy, superficial insufficiency, deep insufficiency, and deep obstruction. Haemodynamic venous measurements were taken from the right femoral vein with ultrasound, laser Doppler fluximetry from the left hand and foot. Devices were then worn for 4-6 hours per day, for 6 weeks. Haemodynamic measurements were repeated at week 6. Quality of life questionnaires were taken at week 0, 6 and 8.

The mean age was 48.7, BMI 28.6kg/m2, and maximum calf circumference 39.0 cm. Twenty-four subjects were men. NMES increased femoral vein peak velocity, TAMV and volume flow by 55%, 20%, 36% at 20 minutes (all p<0.05), which was enhanced at week 6 (PV and TAMV p<0.05). Mean increases in arm and leg fluximetry were 71% and 194% (both p<0.01). Leg swelling was reduced by mean 252.7 mL (13%, p<0.05) overall; 338.9 mL (16%, p<0.05) in venous disease. For those with venous pathology, scores for disease specific and generic quality of life questionnaires improved. Those with C4-6 disease benefitted the most, with improvements in VDS score of 1, AVVQ of 6, and SF-12 of 10.

NMES improves venous haemodynamic parameters in chronic venous disease, which is enhanced by regular use. NMES reduces leg oedema, improves blood supply to the skin of the foot, and may positively affect quality of life.

This trial was registered with www.clinicaltrials.org.uk (NCT02137499).