RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the acceptability and reproducibility of a novel method of measuring calf muscle pump efficiency (CMPE). If confirmed, to examine if the results had implications for the use of elastic compression stockings. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A system devised to measure pressure/volume relationships in the calf during simulated ambulation and from which may be derived a value for CMPE. SETTING: A temperature/humidity controlled vascular laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: The study groups were normal subjects and patients with leg pain of more than three months duration with and without chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) identified using infra-red photoplethysmography. RESULTS: The system described is widely acceptable and reproducible (r = 0.923). Group analysis showed a significant reduction of CMPE in patients with CVI. However, CMPE varies widely in these patients. Some patients with insufficiency of the deep veins have a normal CMPE. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for the use of elastic compression stockings and the degree of compression applied.
