Frequency, intensity, time, and type prescription in exercise therapy for chronic venous insufficiency: A scoping review

Exercise therapy aimed at increasing calf muscle pressure can effectively prevent and improve chronic venous insufficiency. However, as the 'frequency, intensity, time, and type' model that is critical in prescribing exercise has not been identified, determining the exact amount and quality of exercise to be prescribed is challenging. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review of exercise therapy for chronic venous insufficiency and mapped the exercise therapy prescriptions provided to these patients. The CENTRAL, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PEDro databases were searched. Data charting was conducted to categorise the types of exercise into aerobic and resistance exercises, light exercise, and aquatic activity. The intensity, duration, and frequency of each exercise were mapped and summarised as narrative syntheses. Of 594 articles, 27 met the eligibility criteria. Aerobic exercise comprised a frequency of 2-3 times/week; intensity, 12-16 on the Borg scale or 40-70% of the maximum heart rate; time, 20-40 min; and type, walking, treadmill, or ergometer. Resistance exercise comprised a frequency of two times per week to every day; intensity: 8-12 repetition maximum; time: 10-25 times × 2-5 sets; and type: elastic band or more. Aquatic activity comprised a frequency of two times per week to every day, time: 15-60 min, and type: balneotherapy; exercise intensity could not be specified. In conclusion, these results provide useful information for planning exercise therapy for chronic venous insufficiency and can be used for improving patients' physical performance and quality of life.