Introduction The upright position depends on postural stability which can be quantified by displacement parameters, including the length of the center of pressure (CoP) and oscillation, path, and average CoP speed). The contact area is also an important parameter to study the distribution of plantar pressure, indicating the duration of the load applied to a specific area. We might expect that both gravity and muscle tensions impact and influence the vascular dynamics of the foot, even in the maintenance of an orthostatic position. Aims/objectives To look deeper into the potential relationships between posture and perfusion variables affecting foot vascular dynamics in the upright standing position. Methods Eight healthy participants (25.1 ± 5.2 years) of both sexes (4 women and 4 men), with ABI = 1.0 ± 0.1, were selected. Procedures respected all the principles of good clinical practice for human studies research. Perfusion was measured on both feet, participants in the orthostatic position at rest for 5 min using Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF, Perimed 5000). Sensors were applied on the dorsum of both feet between the 3rd and 4th toes. The dorsal region perfusion was also assessed by polarized spectroscopy (PS, TiVi, WheelBridge AB). Postural data was obtained with the Foot Scan® RsScan International® Balance pressure plate. Plantar pressure of the foot was assessed in three functional segments – the forefoot, the midfoot, and the backfoot. Statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism software. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were applied and a 95% confidence level adopted. Results and Discussion LDF showed different baseline perfusion values between both feet with slightly higher values in the left foot also showing a statistically significant higher concentration of red blood cells (CRBC) (p = 0.03). The PS system detected a higher perfusion index in the right foot, (p = 0.007) in the same area. These observations are not contradictory, as the light-tissue interaction differs between these two systems, with LDF penetrating to a much greater depth than the superficial plexus measurements provided by PS. Regarding posture, the hindfoot region has shown higher values compared with the forefoot and midfoot. Changes in displacement of the CoP and speedover the five minutes recorded had no statistical significance, as expected, as the applied protocol is a quasi-static activity. The CoP offset is correlated to the CoP velocity during the protocol and to the plantar pressure in the three selected areas. Correlations between pressure variables and LDF perfusion variables were noted. In the right limb, a negative correlation (p<0.01) was observed between the CoP displacement and CoP velocity, while in the left limb, a negative correlation (p<0.05) with CoP displacement and velocity in the midfoot. Conclusion Permanent interaction between perfusion and CoP and plantar pressure seems to exist and to mutually influence each other even in the orthostatic position, however, although these variables are poorly understood.
Physiology 2021 (2021) Proc Physiol Soc 48, PC013
Poster Communications: Influence of posture on the foot perfusion in the upright position
Sérgio Nuno1, 2, 3, Tiago Atalaia4, 5, Margarida Florindo1, 4, Tiago Granja1, João Abrantes5, 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 5 CICANT/MovLab, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
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Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.