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Thigh muscle pump function during ambulation
Roman A Tauraginskii1, Fedor Lurie2, Anna Borde3
1Research Laboratory of Venous Hemodynamics, Phlebocenter LLC, Kaliningrad, Russia.
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and Lymphatic Disorders
|April 10, 2025
Summary
During walking, blood in superficial leg veins flows towards deep intramuscular veins, not anterograde. The thigh muscle pump diverts this flow, challenging previous assumptions about venous blood circulation.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Physiology
- Human Locomotion
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Superficial venous blood flow in lower extremities is typically considered anterograde.
- Recent findings suggest altered flow patterns during locomotion.
- The role of the thigh muscle pump in directing venous outflow requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pressure gradient in the thigh venous network during ambulation.
- To determine the direction of blood flow in superficial thigh veins during walking.
Main Methods:
- Venous pressure was measured in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and intermuscular veins of the thigh.
- Measurements were taken during treadmill walking at varying speeds.
- Common femoral artery blood flow was assessed using duplex ultrasound.
Main Results:
- A pressure gradient directed from superficial to intermuscular veins was observed during most of the stride cycle.
- This gradient was significantly larger than between knee and groin GSV segments.
- GSV pressure remained consistent at knee and groin levels regardless of walking frequency.
Conclusions:
- During ambulation, blood flow in superficial thigh veins is directed towards intramuscular veins.
- The thigh muscle pump acts as a flow diverter, redirecting blood via perforating veins.
- This challenges the concept of purely anterograde flow and redefines the physiological role of perforating veins.
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