Effect of Physical Vibration on Blood Viscosity

ABSTRACT

The objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of physical vibration on blood viscosity. The "capillary tube viscometer concept" is applied to measure blood viscosity. Blood viscosity can be measured at the minimum shear rate of 12 s(-1) by the capillary tube viscometer. To examine the effect of physical vibration on blood viscosity, the vibrations are produced by contact with an electronic speaker. The frequencies of vibration are varied from 0 to 1000 Hz. The experimental results show that blood viscosity can be effectively reduced by applying vibration. Blood viscosity decreases as much as 10~12 % by applying vibration.