Influence of local auto-regulation mechanisms on flow during the muscle pump effect: a modeling approach

The muscle pump effect increases venous return during muscle contraction and perfusion during muscle relaxation. To investigate the additional contribution of different local auto-regulation mechanisms, a 1D pulse wave propagation model representing the calf vasculature is combined with a local auto-regulation model, which accounts for the metabolic, myogenic and endothelial regulation mechanisms. A simulated muscle contraction results in an increased arterial flow, as observed in literature. However, the expected decrease in baseline flow in the upright position is smaller than observed in vivo. In future research, other physiological mechanisms, such as the baroreflex, will be included.