Effect of microbubble bathing of lower extremities on peripheral circulation.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of microbubble bathing of lower extremities on peripheral circulation. Methods: Data were obtained in six healthy subjects under three exposure conditions of footbathing (for a duration of 10 min at a water temperature of 33±1 °C) with microbubbles, macrobubbles, and control or no bubbles. Skin blood flow (measured from right foot) and skin temperature (measured at both hands and left foot) were recorded continuously for a period of 5 min before immersion, during 10-min immersion of legs with feet up to a level of mid-calf into water, and for a further 10 min after-immersion period (when the legs were removed and kept in the baseline posture). Results: The values of skin temperature recorded from the right hand during the third measurement period were significantly different (P<0.05) among the three exposure conditions; the value of skin temperature was larger under the microbubble exposure condition compared with the other two exposure conditions. During the immersion period (second and third measurement periods), skin blood flow values differed significantly (P<0.01) while compared among the different exposure conditions. However, compared with the control condition, the values were significantly higher only for exposure with microbubbles (P<0.05). Conclusion: Microbubble bathing of lower extremities has a potential role in increasing peripheral circulation as a simple, safe and noninvasive method for this purpose.