Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

Issue: Volume 31(5) Supplement, May 1999, p S208

Copyright: (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Publication Type: [Annual Meeting Abstracts]
ISSN: 0195-9131
Accession: 00005768-199905001-00957
[Annual Meeting Abstracts]
MILD TOPICAL HEAT INCREASES POPLITEAL BLOOD FLOW AS MEASURED BY MRI
Reid, R. W.; Foley, J. M. FACSM; Prior, B. M.; Weingand, K. W.*; Meyer, R. A.
Author Information
Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI; and *Procter and Gamble Co.,
Cincinnati, OH
(Sponsor: J.M. Foley, FACSM)
---------------------------------------------Outline
Section Description
Abstract 959
The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of topical heat on blood
flow in the deep vessels of the knee. Axial plane angiograms were obtained in
one female and three male subjects (mean age 29) using flow-encoded cine phase
contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Flow in the popliteal artery was
measured before and 30 and 40 minutes after application of a heating pad held at
a constant temperature. Three trials were run on separate days for each subject
at pad temperatures of 38, 40 and 43[degrees]C. Resting flow averaged 35 +/- 7
ml/min (mean +/- SE). Elevated blood flow was detected after 40 minutes at each
temperature, with percent increases of 29 +/- 11 at 38[degrees], 94 +/- 40 at
40[degrees], and 200 +/- 110 at 43[degrees]. Pilot studies on one subject
indicated a plateau of hyperemic response after 30-40 minutes of heat applicatio
n;
this was consistent with pooled data from the four test subjects which showed
that 85% of the 40-minute flow value had been achieved at the 30-minute time
point. The small size of the ancillary vessels in most subjects prevented
determination of the extent to which this increased perfusion targeted the deep
tissues of the knee vs. cutaneous vascular beds. In conclusion, this study
demonstrated a temperature-dependent increase in blood flow to the knee region
with application of relatively low doses of topical heat.
(Supported by The Procter and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH)
Section Description
American College of Sports Medicine; 46th Annual Meeting; Washington State;
Convention & Trade Center; June 2-5, 1999
The abstracts contained herein were prepared by the authors and then printed by
photo-offset without correction. The accuracy, form of citation, designation,

nomenclature, and the like, all remain the responsibility of the author. Readers
should note that the appearance of an abstract does not imply future publication
of a regular scientific manuscript.
D-35 POSTER MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS