Pulse transit time changes observed with different limb positions

Pulse transit time (PTT) is a non-invasive measure of arterial compliance. It can be used to assess instantaneous blood pressure (BP) changes in continual cardiovascular measurement such as during overnight respiratory sleep studies. In these studies, periodic changes in limb position can occur rand...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physiological measurement 2005-12, Vol.26 (6), p.1093-1102
Main Authors: Foo, Jong Yong A, Wilson, Stephen J, Williams, Gordon R, Harris, Margaret-Anne, Cooper, David M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Physiological - physiology
Adult
Algorithms
Blood Flow Velocity - physiology
Blood Pressure - physiology
Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted - methods
Electrocardiography - methods
Extremities - blood supply
Extremities - physiology
Female
Heart Rate - physiology
Humans
Male
Posture - physiology
Pulsatile Flow - physiology
Time Factors
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Summary:Pulse transit time (PTT) is a non-invasive measure of arterial compliance. It can be used to assess instantaneous blood pressure (BP) changes in continual cardiovascular measurement such as during overnight respiratory sleep studies. In these studies, periodic changes in limb position can occur randomly. However, little is known about their possible effects on PTT monitored on the various limbs. The objective of this study was to evaluate PTT differences on all four limbs during two positional changes (lowering and raising of a limb). Ten healthy adults (seven male) with a mean age of 27.0 years were recruited in this study. The results showed that the limb that underwent a positional change had significant (p < 0.05) local PTT differences when compared to its nominal baseline value, whereas PTT changes in the other remaining limbs were insignificant (p > 0.05). The mean PTT value measured from a vertically-raised limb increased by 42.7 ms, while it decreased by 28.1 ms with a half-lowered limb. The PTT differences observed during positional change can be contributed to by the complex interactions between hydrostatic pressure changes, autonomic and local autoregulation experienced in these limbs. Hence the findings herein suggest that PTT is able to reflect local circulatory responses despite changes in the position of other limbs. This can be useful in prolonged clinical observations where limb movements are expected.
ISSN:0967-3334
1361-6579
DOI:10.1088/0967-3334/26/6/018