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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

01-05-2017 | Original Article

Wearing graduated compression stockings augments cutaneous vasodilation in heat-stressed resting humans

Authors: Naoto Fujii, Toshiya Nikawa, Bun Tsuji, Narihiko Kondo, Glen P. Kenny, Takeshi Nishiyasu

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2017

Abstract

Purpose

We investigated whether graduated compression induced by stockings enhances cutaneous vasodilation in passively heated resting humans.

Methods

Nine habitually active young men were heated at rest using water-perfusable suits, resulting in a 1.0 °C increase in body core temperature. Heating was repeated twice on separate occasions while wearing either (1) stockings that cause graduated compression (pressures of 26.4 ± 5.3, 17.5 ± 4.4, and 6.1 ± 2.0 mmHg at the ankle, calf, and thigh, respectively), or (2) loose-fitting stockings without causing compression (Control). Forearm vascular conductance during heating was evaluated by forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography) divided by mean arterial pressure to estimate heat-induced cutaneous vasodilation. Body core (esophageal), skin, and mean body temperatures were measured continuously.

Results

Compared to the Control, forearm vascular conductance during heating was higher with graduated compression stockings (e.g., 23.2 ± 5.5 vs. 28.6 ± 5.8 units at 45 min into heating, P = 0.001). In line with this, graduated compression stockings resulted in a greater sensitivity (27.5 ± 8.3 vs. 34.0 ± 9.4 units °C⁻¹, P = 0.02) and peak level (25.5 ± 5.8 vs. 29.7 ± 5.8 units, P = 0.004) of cutaneous vasodilation as evaluated from the relationship between forearm vascular conductance with mean body temperature. In contrast, the mean body temperature threshold for increases in forearm vascular conductance did not differ between the Control and graduated compression stockings (36.5 ± 0.1 vs. 36.5 ± 0.2 °C, P = 0.85).

Conclusions

Our results show that graduated compression associated with the use of stockings augments cutaneous vasodilation by modulating sensitivity and peak level of cutaneous vasodilation in relation to mean body temperature. However, the effect of these changes on whole-body heat loss remains unclear.

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Title: Wearing graduated compression stockings augments cutaneous vasodilation in heat-stressed resting humans
Authors: Naoto Fujii
Toshiya Nikawa
Bun Tsuji
Narihiko Kondo
Glen P. Kenny
Takeshi Nishiyasu
Publication date: 01-05-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3581-5

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Wearing graduated compression stockings augments cutaneous vasodilation in heat-stressed resting humans

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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