Effect of exercise on calf muscle pump function in patients with chronic venous disease.
BACKGROUND
Musculoskeletal dysfunction may be associated with poor calf muscle pump function in patients with chronic venous ulceration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on calf muscle pump function.


METHODS
Twenty patients were recruited into a 6-week intensive exercise programme. Calf muscle function and calf muscle pump function were assessed using an isokinetic device and air plethysmography respectively, before and after the exercise programme.


RESULTS
There was significant improvement in calf muscle pump function, measured as increased ejection fraction and decreased residual fraction (P < 0.05); however, venous reflux was not altered (P > 0.05). Calf muscle strength and endurance parameters all increased, but not significantly (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Poor calf muscle pump function in patients with chronic venous ulceration can be improved by physical exercise.
Yang
D
D
University of Western Australia Department of Surgery, Fremantle Hospital, Australia.
Vandongen
Y K
YK
Stacey
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology*