Supervised exercise protocol for lower limbs in subjects with chronic venous disease: an evaluator-blinded randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Triceps surae muscle changes and range of motion decrease resulting from pathophysiological changes seen in subjects with CVI leading to important impairment of functional activities related to lower limbs in these individuals. Several studies have shown the benefits of exercise therapy focusing on triceps surae muscle strengthening to improve calf muscle pumping. Randomized studies using exercise programmes for lower limbs in subjects with CVI are still rare in the literature, leading to a weak indication of this modality to treat this population. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a supervised exercise programme to improve functional capacity and the quality of life in individuals with CVI. Methods: This is an evaluator-blinded randomized clinical trial. Individuals will be randomly allocated in two groups: 1) treatment group (TG), in which they will be submitted to a supervised exercise programme for lower limbs; 2) control group (CG), in which the same treatment will be maintained but without the performance of any supervised exercise modality. Participants from both groups will participate in a health education speech. The study will compare the evaluation and reevaluation results between subjects submitted to the exercise programme and the control group by the following outcomes: range of motion, calf muscle endurance by the heel rise test, physical capacity by the step test (ST6), and quality of life by the VEINES-QOL. Discussion: Calf muscle function can be improved in people with venous disease with significant improvements in functional capacity, supervised exercise programme will provide much needed information on management of this chronic disease to promote health and independence in this population. Trial registration: The study was registered on the Brazilian Clinical Trials Database (REBEC) (RBR57xtk7). The results will be disseminated by scientific events presentations and publication in peer reviewed journals. Keywords: Exercise, Resistance Training, Exercise Therapy, Venous Insufficiency, Randomized Controlled Trial, Rehabilitation.