We aimed to examine the characteristics of deep venous flow in
the leg in a cast and the effects of a wearable neuromuscular stimulator
(geko; FirstKind Ltd) and also to explore the participants’ tolerance
of the stimulator. This is an open-label physiological study on ten healthy volunteers.
Duplex ultrasonography of the superficial femoral vein measured
normal flow and cross-sectional area in the standing and supine
positions (with the lower limb initially horizontal and then elevated).
Flow measurements were repeated during activation of the geko stimulator
placed over the peroneal nerve. The process was repeated after the
application of a below-knee cast. Participants evaluated discomfort
using a questionnaire (verbal rating score) and a scoring index
(visual analogue scale).Objectives
Methods
A spectrometer measured between 498-1000nm, at 0.2Hz , using glass optodes (2mm diameter). Five minutes of resting readings, followed by 3 minutes of below knee arterial occlusion and then 6 minutes post-occlusion were made. The second study, started with 5 minutes of resting readings, vibration loading for 3 minutes at 30 Hz with acceleration of 3g and 6 minutes post-vibration was then conducted.
