[Effect of transient therapeutic occlusion on some hemodynamic parameters and walking distance]

The effect of a one hour lasting occlusion was studied by recording the ankle/arm pressure ratios at rest and during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia 30 min, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days after the procedure. Both parameters improved, reaching a maximum on the 7th day at which time the changes became statistically significant. Finally, a standardized walking distance test yielded a highly significant improvement when determined on the 7th day (mean increase in walking distance: 69%). Although the underlying mechanism is yet unclear, the positive therapeutic results and absence of side effects warrant further investigations to be focused on the mechanism as well as on practical implications related to the procedure itself to optimize the results.