Effect of passive ankle movement in the sitting position on the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency with long-term observation

Abstract

Background. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the most common vascular disease. One major risk factor for its development is either long-term sitting or standing in the same position and the nature of the work performed.Objectives. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of passive ankle movement in the sitting position performed using the Bella Vena robot for the symptoms of CVI with long-term observation. Materials and methods. A group of 58 patients (mean age: 59.69 ±14.59 years) with CVI in CEAP (Clinical (C), Etiological (E), Anatomical (A), and Pathophysiological (P)) classification categories 2 and 3, and a group of 37 (mean age: 51.49 ±14.86 years) healthy volunteers performing sedentary work for at least 6 h during the working day were enrolled into the study. The total duration of observation lasted 8 months (8 visits), during which the following parameters were assessed at the beginning and end of this period: pain intensity (according to the visual analogue scale (VAS)), level of saturation on the toe, pulse rate, and lower limb Doppler ultrasound evaluation of reflux parameters. Results. The exercises used in people with CVI resulted in a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01) in the occurrence of symptoms. Among all respondents, after 8 months of exercise, a significant reduction in pain level according to the VAS of the lower limbs, an improvement in saturation at the toe level, and a reduction in venous reflux was recorded (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions. Home exercises with the use of an automatic exercise rehabilitation device alleviated significant symptoms in patients with CVI and improved the calf muscle pump.