The most efficient way of electrically stimulating the calf muscles has not been identified. The investigators aim to investigate this using a matrix of electrical parameters, and measuring the outcome with vascular ultrasound of the leg.
Blood is aided on its journey to the heart by the action of the muscles of the legs. Muscle contraction squeezes the deep veins of the leg and pushes blood upwards, back towards the heart. In immobilised patients, or those with blood vessel problems, the pumping process can be helped by machines that either squeeze or shock the muscles of the calf (e.g. intermittent pneumatic compression, electrical stimulating devices). Many are licensed for medical use, and some are common place in hospitals and outpatient departments.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
12
Stimulation with Digitimer (DS7A HV, Digitimer Ltd, UK) over motor point of muscle in protocol. 1Hz, pulse duration 1ms, maximum compliance voltage 200V. Current set to twice motor threshold
Venous Haemodynamic Measurements (Volume Flow Rate)
Measurement by ultrasound, in right femoral vein. Flow rate (ml/min).
Time frame: Baseline compared to that after 10-mins stimulation (2-mins to take measurements)
Venous Haemodynamic Measurements (Time Averaged Maximum Velocity)
Measurement by ultrasound, in right femoral vein. Time averaged maximum velocity (cm/s).
Time frame: Baseline compared to that after 10-mins stimulation (2-mins to take measurements)
Pain Grading on Stimulation
Visual analogue scale (0-minimum pain, to 100-maximum pain)
Time frame: During stimulation (10-mins each muscle)
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