The human lower leg muscle pump functions as a flow diverter pump, maintaining low ambulatory venous pressures during locomotion.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) is the drop of pressure observed in the superficial veins of the lower leg during movement. This phenomenon has been linked to the function of the calf muscle pump (CMP) and the competence of venous valves. Nevertheless, the concept of the CMP function remains controversial. This study aimed to elucidate the association between lower leg muscles activity, changes in pressure in distinct venous segments, and lower extremity arterial blood supply in healthy subjects during various types and intensities of exercise.

Methods

Twelve legs of nine healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Continuous pressure (intramuscular vein [IV] and three great saphenous vein [GSV] points) and surface electromyography data (gastrocnemius and anter

SUBMITTER: Tauraginskii RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11764322 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature