The effects of common peroneal nerve electrical stimulation on lower extremity deep venous hemodynamics: A randomized, crossover and controlled study.

BACKGROUND

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation can improve deep vein hemodynamics in the lower limbs. We developed a new, small and convenient, and easy to wear common peroneal nerve electrical stimulator (CPNES) and to investigate the effectiveness and safety of CPNES intervention on deep venous hemodynamics.

METHODS

Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited and randomly divided into group A and B. In group A, the hemodynamics of the left superficial femoral artery and the superficial femoral vein were measured after IPC compression, and then the CPNES was activated and the hemodynamics was measured again. In group B, the order of intervention was reversed.

RESULTS

In group A, the peak velocity, time average blood flow velocity (TAMV), and flow velocity of femoral vein after IPC and CPNES intervention were higher than these of the baseline (P < .05, respectively). No significant differences of these blood flow parameters were found between IPC and CPNES intervention (P > .05, respectively). In group B, these blood flow parameters of femoral vein after IPC and CPNES intervention were higher than these of the baseline (P < .05, respectively). No significant difference of these blood flow parameters (P > .05, respectively) were noted between IPC and CPNES intervention as well. No differential change of these flow velocity of femoral artery after IPC and CPNES intervention in group A or group B. The hemodynamics of superficial femoral arteries and veins after intervention in group A and B were similar (P > .05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of CPNES intervention on the hemodynamics of the lower extremity is similar with that of IPC, increasing blood flow and may prevent venous thrombosis without adverse reaction.