Influences of thigh cuffs on the cardiovascular system during 7-day head-down bed rest

Thigh cuffs, presently named “bracelets,” consist of two straps fixed to the upper part of each thigh, applying a pressure of 30 mmHg. The objective was to evaluate the cardiac, arterial, and venous changes in a group of subjects in head-down tilt (HDT) for 7 days by using thigh cuffs during the daytime, and in a control group not using cuffs. The cardiovascular parameters were measured by echography and Doppler. Seven days in HDT reduced stroke volume in both groups (−10%;P < 0.05). Lower limb vascular resistance decreased more in the cuff group than in the control group (−29 vs. −4%; P < 0.05). Cerebral resistance increased in the control group only (+6%; P < 0.05). The jugular vein increased (+45%; P < 0.05) and femoral and popliteal veins decreased in cross-sectional area in both groups (−45 and −8%, respectively;P < 0.05). Carotid diameter tended to decrease (−5%; not significant) in both groups. Heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and total resistance did not change significantly. After 8 h ...