Effect of ankle pump exercise on fatigue sensation, comfort, and lower limb hemodynamics among deep vein thrombosis patients

Abstract

Background: Ankle pumping exercises utilize a calf muscle pump function to pump blood to the heart by muscle contraction. Ankle pumping exercises are often used for the relief of edema and the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. So, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of ankle pump exercise on fatigue sensation, comfort, and lower limb hemodynamics among deep vein thrombosis patients. Design: This study was carried out using a quasi-experimental research design. Setting: This study was applied in the Orthopedic Department at Ain Shams University Hospital. Subjects: It consisted of a convenient sampling technique enrolled to select a sample of 100 patients with deep vein thrombosis in the previously selected department who agreed to participate in the study and were randomly assigned into two equal groups, with 50 patients in each group (the intervention group who received ankle pump exercise and the control group who received routine hospital care only). Tools: three tools were used (I): A patient interviewing sheet, (II): Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and (III): Comfort evaluation scale.