Abstract
Background
Aquatic exercises have become a very important therapeutic option for chronic venous disease (CVD). There is evidence in the literature showing that this type of exercise is a mechanism that improves venous return and is important in vascular reeducation. These exercises also help to reduce the venous hypertension caused by CVD, improving patients’ quality of life.
Objectives
To analyze the effects of aquatic exercises on the quality of life of patients with CVD.
Methods
This was a longitudinal, prospective, interventional pilot study conducted with 16 people with CVD classified from C1 to C5. Participants were assessed at baseline using a data collection form and administration of two quality of life questionnaires, the SF-36 (Generic) and the AVVQ-Brazil (CVD-specific), and an Analog Visual Pain Scale (AVPS). They then undertook a program of 10 sessions of aquatic exercises, three times per week. The quality of life questionnaires and the AVPS were administered once more after all sessions had been conducted.
Results
The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis to a significance level of p < 0.05. Patients exhibited improved quality of life as measured by the SF-36 in the domains Physical functioning, Physical role limitation and Pain (p < 0.05). The patients’ pain levels reduced after treatment according to the AVPS (p = 0.007). Only scores for the Pain and dysfunction domain of the AVVQ-Brazil questionnaire exhibited significant improvement (p = 0.013).
Conclusions
Aquatic exercises were capable of improving aspects of quality of life and of reducing pain, demonstrating that they benefit patients with CVD.
Keywords:
venous insufficiency; physiotherapy modalities; hydrotherapy