To assess the effect on lower limb venous blood flow of the floor-based dome device (Legflow®) in healthy seated adults.
Methods
In a randomised controlled trial, 10 participants sat on an office chair. After 10 minutes, baseline popliteal vein flow was measured by ultrasound. One limb was randomised to be mobilised over the Legflow® device at 15 and 20 minutes while the other limb remained immobile. The primary outcome variable was the difference in peak systolic velocity (PSV) (cm/s), in the popliteal vein between the Legflow®-mobilised and non-mobilised limb at 20 minutes, assessed by mixed linear model adjusted for baseline flow.
Results
Mean (SD) PSV (cm/s) in the Legflow®-mobilised limb was 5.82 (1.59), and 63.3 (21.6) at baseline, and 20 minutes respectively. Mean (SD) PSV (cm/s) in the immobile limb was 5.21 (1.45), and 4.58 (1.09) at baseline, and 20 minutes respectively. After 20 minutes, the difference in mean (SD) PSV was 58.8 (21.5) cm/s greater in the Legflow®-mobilised compared with immobile limb. The estimate (95% CI) of the true difference in PSV between the Legflow®-mobilised and immobile limb adjusted for baseline was 60.0 (44.6 to 75.3) cm/s, P< 0.001.
Conclusions
Legflow®-mobilisation of the lower limb while seated increases popliteal venous flow.
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