skeletspierpomp

Skeletspierpomp, or the skeletal muscle pump, refers to the mechanism by which rhythmic contraction of skeletal muscles facilitates venous return to the heart. When muscles in the limbs, particularly in the lower extremities, contract during activities such as walking, running, or cycling, they compress the surrounding veins. Because veins contain one-way valves that prevent backflow, the pressure generated by muscle contraction propels blood toward the thoracic cavity, where it re‑enters the right atrium. The subsequent muscle relaxation expands the veins, lowering pressure and allowing they fill again from peripheral tissues, preparing for the next contraction cycle.

The pump acts in concert with other circulatory aids, including the respiratory pump and arterial pressure gradients. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as muscle tone, the integrity of venous valves, and body position; upright posture places a greater demand on the pump, whereas lying down reduces its contribution. Dysfunction can lead to venous stasis, contributing to conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, deep‑vein thrombosis, and orthostatic hypotension.

Clinical relevance includes the use of graduated compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and prescribed exercise regimens to enhance pump activity in patients at risk of venous disorders. Research continues to quantify its contribution to overall cardiac output, especially during prolonged immobility or in microgravity environments, where the loss of gravitational assistance makes the skeletal muscle pump a critical component of circulatory health.