Handgrip exercise by the non-affected hand increases venous return in the contralateral axillary vein in patients with stroke: a pilot study

Treatment of hand edema is important for maintaining upper limb function in patients with stroke, although the effects of many such treatments have been limited. This study aimed to examine, using ultrasound, the effect of handgrip exercise by the non-affected hand of stroke patients on venous return in the affected upper limb. Seven men participated, within 6 months of a unilateral first-ever stroke. With the patient supine, examinations were performed on the axillary vein of the affected side. The diameter and flow velocity of the axillary vein on the affected side were measured during two regimens: at rest or during rhythmic resistance exercise (30% of maximum grip strength for 20 s) performed by the non-affected hand. The venous flow volume in the axillary vein was then calculated using the data obtained. During resistance exercise by the non-affected hand, there were significant increases in both venous flow velocity (p = 0.01, d = - 0.80) and volume (p = 0.01, d = - 0.74) on the affected side, compared with baseline. The present preliminary study found that rhythmic resistance exercise with the non-affected hand increased venous flow velocity and volume in the affected upper limb of patients with stroke.