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.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of a biofeedback electrogoniometer in the control of recurvation of the knee while walking in patients with neurological diseases. Eighteen patients were trained daily for 12.8 sessions on average with an electrogoniometer attached to the knee, which gave a signal at a threshold value of 180 degrees in order to avoid hypertension of the knee. The improvement was statistically significant even after one year.

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