The effect of changing limb position on the validity of venous occlusion plethysmography

Abstract

Venous occlusion plethysmography (VOP) is a technique used for the non-invasive measurement of limb blood flow. A fundamental technical consideration of venous occlusion plethysmography is that the limb in question must be placed above heart level. However, in light of advances in technology and methodology, the necessity of this has been questioned. We investigated the validity of the VOP technique with the forearm approximately 10 cm above and below the level of the heart in both resting and dynamic conditions. Nine healthy male participants performed four bouts of handgrip exercise, two at each of 15% and 30% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (one above and one below the heart). As hypo..