title: A specifically designed aquatic exercise protocol to reduce chronic lower limb edema.
abstract: Objective Despite the fact that muscle pump activation is known to positively impact chronic lower limb edema, objective measurements of standardized exercises for venous-lymphatic rehab are lacking. The aim of this investigation is to determine the effectiveness of an addressed physical activity exploiting the advantages of an aquatic environment. Material and methods Thirty-two lower limbs of 16 patients affected by bilateral chronic leg swelling were included (12 females, 4 males). All the patients underwent a protocol of five sessions of physical exercises specifically conceived inside a pool. Volumetry, subcutaneous thickness, ankle range of motion and symptomatology were assessed as outcome measures. Results One week after the end of the protocol, the average reduction in lower limb volume was 303.13 ± 69.72 ml ( p = 0.00002) and 334.38 ± 62.50 ml ( p = 0.000003) in the right and left legs, respectively. Ankle range of motion and feeling of heaviness significantly improved. Conclusion A specifically designed aquatic protocol is able to positively impact chronic leg swelling offering a first line rehab for this medical condition.
authors.affiliation: 1 Vascular Diseases Center, Unit of Translational Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gianesini
authors.affiliation: 1 Vascular Diseases Center, Unit of Translational Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Mirko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tessari
authors.affiliation: 2 Idrokinetik Clinic, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Primo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bacciglieri
authors.affiliation: 1 Vascular Diseases Center, Unit of Translational Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Malagoni
authors.affiliation: 1 Vascular Diseases Center, Unit of Translational Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Menegatti
authors.affiliation: 1 Vascular Diseases Center, Unit of Translational Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Savino
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Occhionorelli
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, S. Giorgio Hospital, University of Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Nino
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Basaglia
authors.affiliation: 1 Vascular Diseases Center, Unit of Translational Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zamboni
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000842:Ankle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular
keywords: Chronic venous disease; calf muscle pump function; chronic venous insufficiency; lymphoedema; venous stasis