Why do blood will acccumulate in legs if we

[TryingToLuvSci]

Good evening everyone,

I wonder why our blood will accumulate in legs if we don't walk or jog after a running competition. [HKALE2006]

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Is it because if we don't walk or jog , the skeletal muscle will not keep contracting and the venous blood will not return to the heard via Vena Cavae in a faster rate, so the blood that supplied skeletal musles during competition > the blood that can return to our heart, and thus, accumulate in legs??
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I don't know if I am correct or is there any ways to think biologically?
Please teach me a bit. Thanks!

 

[DaveC426913]

The cool-down is important for similar reasons as the warm-up. During vigorous exercise the heart is pumping large volumes of blood to the muscles via dilated blood vessels. The motion of the muscles, particularly the legs, helps the blood return to the heart. By decreasing the heart rate slowly, the blood vessels have a chance to decrease their supply to the muscles gradually. If exercise stops abruptly, the heart is still pumping large amounts of blood, which is then not returned efficiently. The heart must pump harder to get proper blood return. This places stress on the heart and, in the presence of underlying heart disease, may cause symptoms. More commonly, the dilated vessels, and gravity, when combined with decreased blood return to the heart, allows blood to pool in the legs decreasing blood flow to the brain with resultant dizziness or fainting.

Swimming easy for 10 to 20 minutes after a race is called an active recovery. Studies have shown that blood lactate levels (responsible for fatigue), will return to resting levels in 30 minutes after active recovery, rather than 60 minutes with passive recovery such as plopping yourself in a deck chair.

http://www.drjessicaseaton.com/Articles/WarmUp.htm"

 

[ravenprp]

Hi there, thank you for your question. The reason why blood accumulates in the legs after a running competition is due to the effects of gravity on our body. When we run, our leg muscles are constantly contracting and helping to pump blood back to our heart. However, when we stop running, the muscles are no longer contracting and the blood may have a harder time returning to the heart against the force of gravity. This can cause blood to pool in the lower legs, leading to swelling and discomfort. In addition, during a competition, our body may redirect blood flow to the working muscles, causing a temporary decrease in blood flow to other areas of the body. This can also contribute to blood accumulation in the legs after the competition. Walking or jogging helps to keep the leg muscles active and promotes blood flow, which can prevent or alleviate the accumulation of blood in the legs. I hope this helps to answer your question.