Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Leg Vascular Function in People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2019
School
Kinesiology and Nutrition
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether 60 mins of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPC) could acutely increase leg blood flow-induced shear stress and enhance vascular endothelial function in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Design: Pretest with multiple posttests, within subject randomized control design.
Setting: University of Southern Mississippi, Spinal Cord Injury Research Program within the School of Kinesiology, recruiting from the local community in Hattiesburg, Jackson, and Gulfport, MS.
Participants: Eight adults with SCI (injury level: T3 and below; ASIA class A-C; age: 41±17 yrs).
Interventions: A 60-min IPC session was performed in one leg (experimental leg; EXP), with the other leg serving as a control (CON).
Outcomes Measures: Posterior-tibial artery shear rate (Doppler-ultrasound) was examined at rest, and at 15 and 45 mins during IPC. Endothelial function was assessed using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique, before and after IPC.
Results: Resting FMD (mm) was similar between legs at rest. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA (leg x time) revealed that during IPC, peak shear rate increased in the EXP leg (215±137 to 285±164 s-1 at 15 mins; +39±29%, P = 0.03), with no change occurring in the CON. In addition, FMD significantly increased in the EXP leg (Pre IPC: 0.36±0.14 vs. Post IPC: 0.47±0.17 mm; P = 0.011, d = 0.66), with no change occurring in the CON leg.
Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggests that IPC therapy may acutely increase leg shear stress within 15 mins, with a resultant moderate-large improvement in vascular endothelial function after 60 mins in people with SCI.
Publication Title
Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
Volume
42
Issue
5
First Page
586
Last Page
594
Recommended Citation
Credeur, D. P.,
Vana, L. M.,
Kelley, E. T.,
Stoner, L.,
Dolbow, D. R.
(2019). Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Leg Vascular Function in People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 42(5), 586-594.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/16637