A Comparison of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in Terms of Lower Limb Blood Flow

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a life threatening condition and a serious concern among hospitalized patients, with death occurring in approximately 6% of cases. It involves the formation of a clot where stagnant blood flow occurs, predominantly in the deep veins of the legs. Three mechanisms underlie DVT, venous stasis (slowing or stopping of the blood), hypercoagulability (increased clotting) and damage to blood vessel endothelium (damage to blood vessel wall), collectively known as Virchow's triad.

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) involves the use of an inflatable cuff placed around the limb. This cuff inflates and deflates intermittently in order to squeeze blood from the underlying veins. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) leads to a contraction of muscles by delivering a series of controlled electrical pulses via skin surface electrodes placed over the motor points of the targeted muscle.

Both IPC and NMES have been shown to improve lower limb blood flow. However, few studies have directly compared the two methods and those that have, have used dated NMES techniques.

The objective of this study is to compare the two methods in terms of lower limb haemodynamics.

Inclusion criteria

• Free from any known illness.
• Between 18 and 40 years of age.

Exclusion criteria

• History of heart/respiratory problems
• Pregnancy
• Presence of implants, including cardiac pacemakers or orthopaedic implants
• History of a neurological disorder
• History of severe arterial disease or known dermatological problems.