oxygen, what we call venous blood, is pumped
through the leg muscle pump from the legs to the
heart.
"The veins of the legs have valves which are
similar to those of the heart. They allow blood to pass
through towards the heart while they prevent the
blood flowing backwards towards the foot. In this way
they only allow blood flow in one direction: toward
the heart.
"During the pumping phase or muscle
contraction, the pressure within the veins is increased,
pumping the venous blood towards the heart. "During the filling phase or muscle relaxation,
the pressure within the veins is reduced and the veins
fill themselves with blood in preparation for the next
pumping phase. This prevents thrombosis, blood
clotting, and increases peripheral circulation which is
necessary for tissue nutrition, oxygenation and
removal of metabolic waste. And yes, muscle
strength, prevention of atrophy.
"Well?" he said standing back with his hands
on his hips.
"Well what?"
"Aren't you impressed yet?"
"Overwhelmed," I said and he laughed. "Okay. Let's just start and see where we go,
okay?"
He went over to the equipment and brought out
a rolled thick mat that he undid and spread on the
floor. Then he looked at me.
"We'll go through a very basic evaluation. You
know what I want you to do first?"