The effect of abdominal pressure stimulation on forearm blood flow volume

Abstract

The level of clothing pressure affects not only the wearer’s comfort but also their health. Therefore, we examined the effect of abdominal pressure stimulation on forearm blood flow volume. Nine Japanese female subjects (average age = 22.3 ± 0.5 years) had their abdomens constricted with a 25-mm-wide band inside a belt for 2 minutes at four different pressure intensities from 2.7 hPa to 12.4 hPa. The pressure intensities were measured using the hydrostatic pressure-balanced method on their waistlines and pressure sensations were evaluated on a ratio scale. Using the ultrasound Doppler method, blood flow velocity was assessed on the subject’s right arm. Using clothing pressure with a perfect fitting feeling (5.0±1.8 to 8.3±1.8 hPa), the blood flow volume increased, while a slightly tight feeling (12.0±1.4 hPa) decreased the blood flow volume. This finding indicates that clothing pressure has a significant effect on vascular physiology.