Systemic hemodynamic effects of sequential pneumatic compression of the lower limbs: a prospective study in healthy volunteers.

Study Objective: To evaluate the effects on systemic hemodynamics of sequential pneumatic compression of the lower limbs in healthy volunteers.

Design: Prospective, self-controlled, volunteer study.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

Patients: 11 healthy volunteers, aged 25 +/- 1.3 years.

Interventions And Measurements: After volunteers underwent a 6-hour period of fasting and 15 minutes of rest in the supine position, baseline systemic hemodynamics were assessed using transthoracic electrical bioimpedance. Peripheral venous pressure was measured using a 16-gauge intravenous cannula inserted in the forearm and connected to a pressure monitor. Then sequential pneumatic compression of the lower limbs was activated for a 30-minute period, and systemic hemodynamic measurements were repeated. In each volunteer, measurements were repeated twice in two consecutive days, and average values were calculated for each volunteer.

Main Results: After activation of sequential pneumatic compression of the lower limbs, mean arterial blood pressure increased from 90 mmHg (79-107 mmHg) to 95 mmHg (79-129 mmHg) (P = 0.02), whereas heart rate decreased from 79 bpm (51-94 bpm) to 75 bpm (53-90 bpm) (P = 0.02). This was associated with a significant increase in peripheral vascular resistance index (from 545 [440-1066] to 613 [369-1280] dynes s cm(-5) m(-2) [P = 0.013]) and reduction in cardiac index (from 3.4 [2.7- 4.5] to 3.2 [2.5-4.0] L/min per m2 [P = 0.034]).

Conclusions: The application of sequential pneumatic compression to the lower limbs is associated with minor increases in mean arterial blood pressure, with moderate reduction of cardiac output and heart rate.