Bradley AP, Roehl AS, McGrath R, Smith J, Hackney KJ. Popliteal Blood Flow With Lower-Extremity Injury Mobility Devices.
FOOT & ANKLE ORTHOPAEDICS 2022;
7:24730114221142784. [PMID:
36533090 PMCID:
PMC9749042 DOI:
10.1177/24730114221142784]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Ambulation devices may differ in their utility, muscle activation patterns, and how they affect regional blood flow. This study aimed to evaluate popliteal blood flow and vessel dimensions in response to ambulation with a hands-free crutch (HFC), axillary crutches (AC), a medical kneeling scooter (MKS), and regular walking in healthy adults.
METHODS
HFC, AC, MKS, and regular walking were completed in a random order by 40 adults aged 18-45 years. Participants ambulated at a comfortable pace for 10 minutes with each device. At baseline and immediately following each trial, a trained operator used diagnostic ultrasonography to capture popliteal vein and artery dimensional and flow characteristics.
RESULTS
Significant increases were observed from baseline (0.65 ± 0.23 cm) in venous diameter following walking (0.71 ± 0.21 cm, P = .012) and MKS (0.73 ± 0.21 cm, P = .003). Venous blood flow was also significantly different between conditions (P = .009) but was only greater following walking (124 ± 79 mL/min) compared to MKS (90 ± 64 mL/min, P = .021). No differences were observed in arterial dimensions between ambulation conditions. Significant increases were found in arterial blood flow from baseline (107 ± 69 mL/min) following walking (184 ± 97 mL/min, P < .001) and HFC (163 ± 86 mL/min, P < .001). Arterial blood flow following walking was greater than AC (132 ± 72 mL/min, P = .016) and MKS (128 ± 74 mL/min, P = .003).
CONCLUSION
We found an average decrease in venous time-averaged mean velocity between walking and use of the MKS, but no such decrease with either HFCs or use of ACs in this healthy experimental cohort.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, diagnostic comparative study.
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