Reference values for intramuscular pressure in the lower leg in man

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Intramuscular pressure is a critical factor in lower leg function and can be affected by various physiological conditions.
• Understanding normal intramuscular pressure ranges during rest, exercise, and occlusion is essential for diagnosing and managing related conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure resting and exercise-induced intramuscular pressures in the anterior tibial and superficial posterior compartments of healthy adults.
• To investigate the influence of sex, age, venous occlusion, and arterial occlusion on these pressures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the wick catheter technique to measure intramuscular pressures in 34 healthy individuals (17 males, 17 females, mean age 42).
• Measurements were taken at rest, during and after exercise, and during venous and arterial occlusion.

Main Results:

• Resting pressures were 1.1 kPa (anterior tibial) and 0.5 kPa (superficial posterior).
• Exercise increased pressures to 3.5 kPa (anterior tibial) and 0.9 kPa (superficial posterior).
• Anterior tibial pressures were lower in females vs. males during exercise and in older vs. younger individuals at rest. Pressures normalized within 5 minutes post-exercise. Venous occlusion markedly increased anterior tibial pressures.

Conclusions:

• Exercise significantly elevates intramuscular pressure in the anterior tibial compartment.
• Sex and age are factors influencing anterior tibial compartment pressure.
• Venous occlusion has a more pronounced effect on anterior tibial compartment pressure than arterial occlusion.