The Effects of Mild Bilateral Jugular Vein Compression on Cerebrovascular Physiology

Abstract

Cerebrovascular physiology is a branch of study surrounding the relationship between the brain and heart. This relationship is critical for health, performance, and survival and must be maintained in a metabolically balanced state to prevent any adverse effects. Recently, there have been efforts by groups of researchers to challenge this system via external jugular vein compression to investigate the effect of brain blood-flow and hemodynamics. So far positive outcomes using the Q-Collar™ have been observed in neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies. However, there has yet to be validation of Q-Collar™ use through real-time monitoring of cerebrovascular physiology, specifically during acute exercise. This project examined the effects of the Q-Collar™ on cerebrovascular physiology through monitoring various indices. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, capnograpahy, electrocardiography and photoplethysmography, a detailed understanding of the Q-Collar™ effect was ascertained. Data was acquired over an 87-minute protocol that tested the effect of Q-Collar™ application during seated rest, postural change, and acute aerobic exercise. Results showed that there were significant increases in blood volume (via deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin, p = <0.05) during postural change and exercise when using the collar. This study suggests that the Q-Collar™ does not present any known physiological risk during short-term acute exercise and should continue to be used and researched. Further research is warranted to examine the chronic use of the collar over a season(s) of sport to see whether adaptive processes occur.