The Effect of Structured Exercise on Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Individuals with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) face a number of complications, such as, muscular dysfunction, limited ankle range of motion(ROM) and diminished calf muscle pump function. Exercise therapy has been shown to improve calf muscle pump function and symptoms and may provide additional therapeutic benefits. It has been reported that structured exercise has the ability to improve ankle joint range of motion, calf muscle strength and calf muscle pump function. Participants will receive the 12-week structured resistance exercise programme, 'Strength from Within', a warm up and cool down, walking programme and range of motion exercises. Participants will complete the Short Form quality of life (SF-36) Health Survey and the venous clinical severity score questionnaire. Baseline testing will be conducted. The following measures will be employed in the study through a baseline testing and repeated at the end of the study period (week 12): Functional ambulatory measurements, physical activity measurements (muscle endurance), isokinetic testing (strength), duplex ultrasound scanning. A combination of upper and lower body structured exercise as well as, ankle join range of motion and a walking regimen has the potential to have a significant impact on an individual's calf muscle pump function and avoid these potentially harmful side effects of lower body exercise programmes