Markers of venous return were measured at the popliteal and common femoral veins via Doppler ultrasound. The ultrasound examinations were performed using a
CX50 Ultrasound System (Philips, USA), L12-3 MHz linear transducer and venous presets. Flow studies were performed by a single experience sonographer in a temperature-controlled (22 °C) environment. All measurements were obtained in a supine position and conducted as previously described
9 (link). Briefly, the common femoral veins were examined 2 cm above the saphenofemoral junction, with the compression garments turned down slightly to gain access. The popliteal veins were examined at the level of the knee crease. Prior to participants’ wearing compression tights, a small incision was made in the garment at the knee crease to create a window for the transducer to access the popliteal vein. Pilot data confirmed that the pressure of the compression tights was not altered by the small incision. The inner vessel transverse cross-sectional area (CSA; cm
2), time-averaged mean blood flow velocity (V
mean; cm/s) and time-averaged peak blood flow velocity (V
peak; cm/s) measurements for popliteal and common femoral veins were obtained for at each time point (Fig.
4).
O’Riordan S.F., Bishop D.J., Halson S.L, & Broatch J.R. (2022). Compression-induced improvements in post-exercise recovery are associated with enhanced blood flow, and are not due to the placebo effect. Scientific Reports, 12, 16762.