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9 The Effect of Handgrip Training and Intermittent Compression of Upper Arm Veins on Forearm Vessels in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Failure
Author(s) -
Rus R,
Ponikvar R,
Kenda R B,
ButurovićPonikvar J
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
therapeutic apheresis and dialysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.415
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1744-9987
pISSN - 1744-9979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-0968.2005.222_9_9.x
Subject(s) - medicine , forearm , tourniquet , radial artery , vein , brachial artery , vasodilation , upper limb , isometric exercise , cardiology , anatomy , surgery , artery , blood pressure
Background It has already been shown that handgrip training has a beneficial effect on arteries and veins, and intermittent compression of upper arm veins alone improves the diameter of forearm veins. The purpose of our study was to investigate the additive effect of handgrip training and intermittent compression of upper arm veins on the forearm arteries and veins. Methods Eighteen chronic hemodialysis patients performed daily handgrip training and intermittent compression of upper arm by elastic band (Eschmarch) for 8 weeks. The activities were performed on the arm without vascular access. The forearm circumference and maximal handgrip strength were measured before exercise, and after 4 and 8 weeks, together with arterial and vein parameters including endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasodilatation obtained by ultrasonography measurements. Results The maximal handgrip strength and the forearm circumference increased significantly. The radial artery diameters were significantly higher after 8 weeks of training (1.89 mm ± 0.10 at the beginning, 1.95 mm ± 0.10 after 8 weeks). Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation was also found to be markedly increased after 4 and 8 weeks of training, but endothelium‐independent vasodilatation remained unchanged. The venous diameters before tourniquet placement increased significantly after 8 weeks (2.40 mm ± 0.16 at the beginning, 2.62 mm ± 0.17 after 8 weeks). The venous diameters after tourniquet placement increased significantly after 4 and 8 weeks (3.36 mm ± 0.17 at the beginning, 3.51 mm ± 0.18 after 4 weeks, 3.68 mm ± 0.18 after 8 weeks). Distensibility of veins was preserved. Conclusion Our study suggests that both activities performed daily, such as handgrip training and intermittent compression of upper arm veins, increase the diameters of both arteries and veins. The endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation was also improved.