To Compare the Effectiveness of Vascular Exercises Versus Vascular Massage Therapy on Lower Extremity Function and Blood Circulation Among Female Subjects with Chronic Venous Insufficiency

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of vascular exercises versus vascular massage therapy for the patient with the chronic venous insufficiency. BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition in the elder person, pregnancy women, obesity etc., The symptoms are pain, swelling, loss of ankle joint range of movement. Earlier studies have shown the benefits of exercise in the patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of vascular exercises and vascular massage therapy among the chronic venous insufficiency patients. METHODOLOGY: This is an experimental study of comparative type. This study was carried out in the faculty of physiotherapy department, Dr. M.G.R. educational and research institute after the approval from institution review board for 12 weeks. 20 subjects were included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria after getting their consent for participation. The subjects were divided into two groups by random sampling method. Ankle brachial pressure index [ABPI] and lower extremity functional scale [LEFS] is used for pre and post assessment. The subjects in group A performed vascular exercises for 30 mins/day for 3 days/week for 12 weeks. The subjects in group B performed vascular massage therapy in lower extremity for 30mins/day for 3day/week for 12 weeks RESULT: On comparing pre-test and post-test within group A and group B on Ankle Brachial Pressure Index and lower extremity function scale score. Group A shows highly significant difference in mean values at P ≤ 0.001 CONCLUSION: The study revealed that vascular exercises was more effective in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency compared to vascular massage therapy. Key words: Chronic venous insufficiency, vascular massage therapy, vascular exercises.