Introduction: Among the multiple consequences of our bipedal condition, lower limb perfusion asymmetries during rest are one of the most intriguing. Although referred as non-significant in most of the studies, this unevenness is still poorly understood. It has been referred to be related with performance posture (and limb dominance) and it is believed that exercise eliminates (or blurs) those differences. Aims/objectives: To understand the origin of this phenomena characterizing the impact of exercise on this lower limb perfusion unevenness. Methods: Perfusion in previously selected participants (n=34, 28.4 ± 9.2 y.o. was measured with LDF (laser Doppler flowmetry) at the 3rd metatarsophalangeal dorsal region in both feet and polarized spectroscopy (TiVi) on the dorsal region of both feet. Median age of the participants was 23.5 years (IQR: 22.0-32.0). Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded and categorized (normal weight BMI 25). Median BMI was 23.29 (IQR: 20.94 – 25.19). Procedures respected all the principles of good clinical practice for human studies research. There was a previous submission to the Institutions’ Ethical Commission and all procedures complied with the good scientific practice for clinical studies involving human participants. Experimental protocol included three phases. In the first, volunteers remained in the standing position for 5 minutes; in the second phase, a 2 minute squat, single leg squat, or isometric plantar flexion were made as a challenge; the third and final phase was the recovery period (5 minutes, in the standing position). Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS version 22.0. Parametric or non-parametric tests to assess differences between variables were performed. All tests used a 5% significance level. Results and Discussion Every individual presented asymmetric perfusions values between limbs. Women had higher perfusions values (mean of both feet) in the three stages of the protocol, from baseline to recovery, but the differences were non-significant (Mann-Whitney; baseline, p=0.658; challenge, p=0.306; recovery, p=0.610). The ratio between the higher and lower LDF value at baseline showed that the intra-individual differences could range from 2.77 to 132.88% (median: 21.56; IQR 9.20 – 38.26). Women had lower ratios at baseline and at recovery (baseline median: Women 14.28 vs. Men 23.10; recovery median: Women 23.88 vs. Men 32.25) and higher at exercise (Median: Women 41.93 vs. Men 29.39), but all differences between sexes were non-significant (Mann-Whitney: baseline p=0.658; exercise p=0.973; recovery p=0.375). Results suggest that in functional exercise increase perfusion asymmetries in the lower limbs, since the ratios between limbs increase in both sexes. However, this asymmetry seems to remain longer in men after the exercise with the ratios at baseline and recovery being significantly different (Wilcoxon; p=0.013). Regarding BMI categories no significant differences between sexes were found (p=0.865). However, the higher perfusion decrease in the contralateral limb seems to be driving for the detected differences. Conclusions Movement even if quasi static seems to increase perfusion, magnifying asymmetries between both limbs.
Physiology 2021 (2021) Proc Physiol Soc 48, PC075
Poster Communications: Functional exercise increases perfusion disparity in healthy human lower limb in both sexes
Sérgio Nuno1, 2, 3, João Gregório1, Margarida Florindo1, 4, Luís Monteiro Rodrigues1
1 Universidade Lusófona CBiOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies) Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal 2 ESTeSL-IPL Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa – Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon Polytechnic Institute - Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal 3 Clínica São João de Deus – CTD, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal 4 ESSCVP Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa – Lisboa: Departamento de Fisioterapia. Av. De Ceuta, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
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Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.