A Doppler Ultrasound Study
This study, conducted by California Equine Orthopedics investigates the efficacy of Incrediwear Equine Circulation Bandages in improving blood velocity around the cannon bone using Doppler ultrasound imaging. Measurements of peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, time-averaged maximum velocity, and time-averaged mean velocity were analyzed before and after bandage application. Results demonstrated significant increases in all blood flow parameters.
Incrediwear Equine Circulation Bandages utilize semiconductor technology (carbon and germanium) to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage through the release of negative ions and infrared waves when activated by body heat. This study aimed to quantify changes in blood flow velocity using Doppler ultrasound to determine the bandages' effectiveness in increasing blood velocity in horses' legs.
Blood velocity parameters were recorded using Doppler ultrasound imaging prior to bandage application (Time 0 minutes).
Incrediwear Equine Circulation Bandages were applied around the cannon.
Doppler ultrasound imaging was repeated after 20 minutes of bandage application.
The following blood flow metrics were measured:
- Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV): Maximum velocity of blood flow during heart contraction.
- End Diastolic Velocity (EDV): Velocity during heart relaxation.
- Time-Averaged Maximum Velocity (TAMAX): Average of maximum flow velocities over time.
- Time-Averaged Mean Velocity (TAMEAN): Overall mean blood flow velocity over time.
Results
Application of Incrediwear Equine Circulation Bandages resulted in significant increases across all measured blood velocity parameters over the 20-minute intervention period:
Parameter % Increase (0-20 min)
- Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) 22%
- End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) 26%
- Time-Averaged Maximum Velocity 25%
- Time-Averaged Mean Velocity 24%
The observed increases in blood velocity can be attributed to Incrediwear’s semiconductor technology, which releases negative ions and infrared waves upon activation by body heat. These ions stimulate vasodilation, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the lower leg tissues, particularly in the avascular tendon regions.
Improved circulation delivers essential oxygen and nutrients to tendon cells, supporting:
- Elasticity: Warm, oxygen-rich tissues are more pliable and resilient under mechanical stress.
- Waste Removal: Enhanced blood flow facilitates the clearance of metabolic byproducts (e.g., lactic acid), reducing post-exercise stiffness and inflammation.
- Recovery: Increased oxygenation accelerates tissue repair, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and improving performance longevity.
The results demonstrate the potential of Incrediwear Equine Circulation Bandages as an effective tool for:
- Preparing tendons for exercise by improving circulation and tissue elasticity.
- Supporting injury prevention through enhanced oxygen delivery.
- Accelerating post-exercise recovery by reducing inflammation and improving lymphatic drainage.
This technology is particularly relevant for high-performance horses subjected to repetitive strain or prolonged exercise.
This study demonstrates that Incrediwear Equine Circulation Bandages significantly increase blood velocity in equine tendons. The observed improvements in peak systolic, diastolic, and mean blood velocities highlight the technology’s ability to enhance circulation and oxygenation in tissues with inherently low vascularity. These findings suggest a valuable role for circulation-enhancing bandages in maintaining tendon and ligament health, supporting injury prevention, and accelerating recovery in equine athletes.