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Originally shared by Ward Plunet

Leg Compressions May Enhance Stroke Recovery

Successive, vigorous bouts of leg compressions following a stroke appear to trigger natural protective mechanisms that reduce damage, researchers report.

(image may not represent actual device used in the study)

Compressing then releasing the leg for several five-minute intervals used in conjunction with the clot-buster tPA, essentially doubles efficacy, said Dr. David Hess, a stroke specialist who chairs the Medical College of Georgia Department of Neurology at Georgia Health Sciences University.

"This is potentially a very cheap, usable and safe -- other than the temporary discomfort -- therapy for stroke," said Hess, an author of the study in the journal Stroke. The compressions can be administered with a blood pressure cuff in the emergency room during preparation for tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, currently the only Food and Drug Administration-approved stroke therapy.

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article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120827094356.htm

image: http://www.bailey-bikes.com/p.cfm/compression-pumps