The impact of exercise training on calf pump function, muscle strength, ankle range of motion, and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency at different stages of severity: a systematic review.

Cíntia Pimenta Lopes,Vanessa Pereira Lima,Marcus Vinicius Accetta Vianna,Henrique Silveira Costa,Keity Lamary Souza Silva,Pedro Henrique Scheidt Figueiredo,Eduardo Augusto Barbosa Figueiredo

doi:10.1590/1677-5449.200125

Cíntia Pimenta Lopes, Vanessa Pereira Lima + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1677-5449.200125

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Abstract

Exercise training (ET) is an important tool in the management of patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The objective of this article was to discuss the effects of ET on the calf pump, functional parameters, and quality of life of patients with mild and advanced CVI. A systematic review was conducted and eleven studies were included. In patients with mild CVI, ET was effective for improving venous reflux, muscle strength, ankle range of motion, and quality of life. In advanced CVI patients, ET increased ejection fraction, reduced residual volume fraction, and improved muscle strength and ankle range of motion, but did not change venous reflux indices or quality of life. It is concluded that ET is effective for improving calf pump function, muscle strength, and ankle range of motion in CVI. In patients with mild CVI, additional benefits were observed in quality of life.

Highlights

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by abnormal lower limb venous system function
This systematic review aimed to verify the impact of exercise training (ET) on calf pump function, functional parameters, and health-related quality of life of patients with CVI
Search terms included words related to chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcer, and exercise training

Summary

Introduction

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by abnormal lower limb venous system function. It has a high prevalence and morbidity in Brazil[1,2] and worldwide,[3] with considerable economic impact due to disability.[4] Previous studies have estimated that 5 to 30% of the adult population have signs or symptoms of the disease and CVI can be considered a serious public health problem.[5,6]. Several studies have reported that ET prevents the progression and complications of venous disease, reduces symptoms and improves health-related quality of life.[5,15]

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