Effect of Arm Circumduction on Arterial Blood Flow

Abstract

Abstract-Analyzing blood flow in a mobile arterial system is not an easy task. Our department has previously introduced a one dimensional model for the simulation of blood flow in static arterial systems using the method of characteristics [1] which has been modified by including the body acceleration caused by the inertial force into the momentum equation.The modified model was used to study the effect of periodic body acceleration, more specifically, arm circumduction on the arterial system. Exercises were performed with both arms symmetrically at three different levels of speed and three different angles. Average blood flow was calculated in the ascending aorta, the radial artery and the abdominal aorta.As the results show, during arm circumduction blood flow increased in the radial artery and the ascending aorta. However, it slightly decreased in the abdominal aorta. The summarized description of the model and the limitations of the simulation are discussed in detail.