The role of nitric oxide in skin blood flow increases due to vibration in healthy adults and adults with type 2 diabetes.

Background: We recently demonstrated concomitant increases in skin blood flow and nitric oxide (NO) production in young healthy adults in response to externally applied vibration of the forearm. Research has shown that adults with type 2 diabetes exhibit depressed NO production and vascular responses to NO. We hypothesized that subjects with type 2 diabetes would display lower than normal increases in skin blood flow to externally applied vibration.

The interrelationships between electrical stimulation, the environment surrounding the vascular endothelial cells of the skin, and the role of nitric oxide in mediating the blood flow response to electrical stimulation.

Background: Electrical stimulation (ES) is a commonly used modality in physical therapy for treating wounds such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores but the mechanism of its effect on skin blood flow (BF) has not been determined.

Material/methods: Ten subjects were examined during ES of the skin above the quadriceps muscle with biphasic sine wave stimulation at a frequency of 30 Hertz, pulse width 250 microseconds. BF was measured between the electrodes with a Laser Doppler Flow meter.

The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects.

Background: Circulation plays a vital role in tissue healing. Increases in muscle flexibility and strength, secretion of hormones important in the regeneration and repair process, blood flow, and strength of bone tissues has been attributed to whole body vibration (WBV) combined with exercise. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of short-duration, high-intensity, isometric weight bearing exercise (vibration exercise [VE]) and vibration only on skin blood flow (SBF).