The Impact of Controlled Physical Training with Hydrotherapy on Changes in Swelling and Claudication Distance in Patients with Atherosclerotic Ischemia of the Lower Limbs.

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often experience intermittent claudication. It is manifested by pain typically seen in the distal part of the legs during walking, which impairs the ability to walk, limits physical activity and results in lower health-related quality of life. It often leads to chronic ischemic pain, ulceration and even amputation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of controlled physical training and whirlpool massage on changes in circuits, range of motion and distance of claudication in people with atherosclerotic ischemia of the lower limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 100 patients, males and females aged 39 to 79 years, with peripheral circulation disorders of the lower limbs. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (G) was treated with a series of 10 lower-limb whirling massages and took part in individually planned training, including breathing, relaxation and active free lower-limb exercises. Group II-control group (GC) took part only in individually planned training. Prior to the treatment procedures and after their completion, the ranges of movement of the ankle joint and the circumference of the lower limbs were measured and the corridor test (6MWT, six-minute walk test) was performed. RESULTS: Statistically significant reduction in the circumference of the foot, ankle, calf and thigh in the G group was noticed. Both, in G and in GC group, a statistically significant increase in the range of dorsiflexion of the foot was found in comparison to the period before the procedures (p = 0.010; p = 0.006, respectively). There was also a statistically significant increase in the range of motion of the plantar flexion of the foot after the procedures in G (p = 0.007) and in GC (p = 0.048). Differences in the circumference of the lower limbs and the range of ankle joint movements between the study group and the control group before and after the therapy were not statistically significant. However, there was a statistically significant difference between these groups after the procedures in the 6-min walk test-significantly higher values of 6MWT were recorded in group G (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Individually planned training, supplemented with hydrotherapy as thermal therapy, has a beneficial effect on reducing swelling of the lower limbs, increasing the range of foot movements and extending the distance in the 6-min walk test.

[The influence of hydrotherapy and physical training procedures on selected haemodynamic parameters of the circulatory system in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease]. / Wplyw zabiegów z zakresu wodolecznictwa i treningu fizycznego na wybrane parametry hemodynamiczne ukladu krazenia u chorych z miazdzycowa choroba naczyn obwodowych.

Currently, the most common cause of death among highly developed countries are cardiovascular diseases. In terms of incidence, they take epidemic proportions. The main cause of the development of cardiovascular disease in 90% of cases is atherosclerotic lesions. The most important complications of atherosclerosis in addition to myocardial infarction and stroke include peripheral arterial disease, including arteries of the lower limbs. It is estimated that 3-10% of the general population suffers from atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. In people over 70, the number of patients with peripheral vascular disease increases up to 15-20%. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of vortex massages and physical training on the temperature of lower limbs and selected haemodynamic parameters of the circulatory system in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients, both sexes, aged from 39 to 79 years, with impaired peripheral circulation of the lower limbs. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. In group I, a series of 10 lower limb massage vortex procedures and an individually selected training including breathing, relaxation and active exercises of the lower limbs were used. In Group II, individually selected training was conducted. Measurements of blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were carried out before and after the series of treatments. The technique of performing the measurements was consistent with the recommendations of the Polish Society of Arterial Hypertension regarding blood pressure measurements. RESULTS: After the end of the series of treatments, in group I there was a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR). CONCLUSIONS: The applied eddy massage treatments significantly influenced the improvement of the hemodynamic parameters of the cardiovascular system.

[The influence of treatments in the field of hydrotherapy and controlled physical training on the temperature of lower limbs in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease]. / Wplyw zabiegów z zakresu wodolecznictwa i treningu fizycznego na temperature konczyn dolnych u chorych z miazdzycowa choroba naczyn obwodowych.

The ever-increasing pace of life, and thus constant stress, poor nutrition and lack of time for physical activity caused the development of many diseases referred to as civilization diseases, i.e., obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic diseases or generalized atherosclerosis. They have a significant impact on the development of pathological changes in all tissues of the human body. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal massages and controlled physical training on the temperature of lower limbs in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients, women and men, aged from 39 to 79 years, with impaired peripheral circulation of the lower limbs. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, each of 25 patients. In group I, a series of 10 lower limb massage vortex procedures and an individually selected training including breathing, relaxation and active exercises of the lower limbs were used. In Group II, individually selected training was conducted. The temperature of the lower extremities was measured in all the subjects using an infrared multifunction thermometer (IR). The measurements were carried out before the beginning of the rehabilitation program and after its completion. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase of lower limbs' temperature in group I (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The applied vortex massage treatments significantly influenced the improvement of the lower limbs' warmth. Treatments in the field of hydrotherapy have a beneficial effect in the treatment of patients with chronic lower limb ischemia.