Deterioration of venous function in normal lower extremities during daily activity

Area of Science:

• Vascular Physiology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Venous function can be influenced by daily activities and posture.
• Understanding diurnal changes in venous hemodynamics is crucial for assessing lower limb health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate noninvasively the changes in lower extremity venous function throughout the day in physically active individuals.
• To correlate these changes with the development of symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Photoplethysmography was used to measure venous refilling time.
• Impedance plethysmography was employed to assess venous capacitance.
• Measurements were taken in 50 lower extremities of 25 healthy, physically active subjects.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in venous capacitance (p < 0.04) and a significant shortening of venous refilling time (p < 0.0001) were observed after prolonged upright activity.
• Abnormally short venous refilling time (<18 seconds) developed in 21% of extremities.
• Symptomatic extremities showed a trend towards greater changes in venous refilling time.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged daily activity in an upright position can negatively impact lower extremity venous function in healthy individuals.
• Impaired venous function, indicated by shortened venous refilling time, is associated with increased reporting of lower limb symptoms.
• These findings highlight the dynamic nature of venous health and its susceptibility to daily physical demands.