# Effects of intermittent pneumatic compression device on the improvement of tissue oxygen saturation and fluid clearance at the compression site

## TL;DR

This study shows that using an intermittent pneumatic compression device for 30 minutes improves muscle oxygen levels and reduces fluid buildup in the legs.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the time-course of oxygen saturation and fluid clearance during IPCD use.

## Key findings

- rSO2 increased significantly from baseline across all time periods during the IPCD intervention.
- T2 values decreased post-intervention, indicating fluid clearance in the lower limbs.
- Oxygenation effects occurred early, but a full 30-minute session is needed for both oxygenation and fluid reduction benefits.

## Abstract

Intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPCDs) facilitate post-exercise recovery by increasing tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) and reducing intramuscular interstitial fluid. However, limited evidence exists on time-course changes of these physiological responses during the intervention. This study aimed to examine the effects of IPCD use on rSO2 and fluid content in the lower limbs.

We enrolled 59 healthy adults (37 males, 22 females) who underwent a 30-min IPCD intervention on their right leg at a target pressure of 90 mmHg. The rSO2 at the posterior calf was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy at baseline and across four periods (period 1: 0.5–3.5 min; period 2: 10–13 min; period 3: 20–23 min; and period 4: 27–30 min). T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was conducted pre- and post-intervention to assess fluid clearance.

The rSO2 values increased significantly from baseline (75.7% ± 5.8%) across all time periods (period 1: 79.5% ± 4.7%; period 2: 80.5% ± 4.7%; period 3: 80.8% ± 4.7%; and period 4: 81.2% ± 4.8%; p < 0.001). The values in periods 2, 3, and 4 were significantly higher than those in period 1 (p < 0.001), with no significant differences observed among periods 2, 3, and 4. Moreover, the T2 values significantly decreased post-intervention (Pre: median, 39.3; Post: 37.9; p < 0.001).

IPCD use improves muscle oxygen saturation and facilitates fluid clearance within 30 min. Although oxygenation effects occur early, a 30-min IPCD session provides both oxygenation and fluid reduction benefits.