Effects of inspiratory muscle training versus calf muscle training on quality of life, pain, venous function and activity in patients with chronic venous insufficiency

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and calf muscle exercise training (CMET), in addition to compression therapy (CT), on quality of life (QoL), venous refilling time, disease severity, pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, and functionality in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) compared with CT alone. Methods: A total of 32 participants with a diagnosis of CVI were randomly divided into three groups: group 1, IMT plus CT; group 2, CMET plus CT; and group 3, CT alone. All 32 patients were assessed using the chronic venous disease QoL 20-item questionnaire, Nottingham health profile, photoplethysmography, venous clinical severity score, visual analog scale for pain, intraoral pressure measurements, dynamometer, digital goniometer, 6-minute walking test, and lower extremity functional scale. Results: After treatment, group 2 had improved more than had groups 1 and 3 in QoL, venous refilling time, pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, and functionality. Group 1 had improved more than had groups 2 and 3 in disease severity and inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength values (P < .05). Only physical mobility and right leg venous refilling time had increased in group 3 (P < .05). Conclusions: The use of IMT and CMET had improved venous function in both legs in patients with CVI, and CT alone had improved venous function only in the right leg of patients with CVI.

Automated summary

This study found that combining inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and calf muscle exercise training (CMET) with compression therapy (CT) significantly improved quality of life, venous refilling time, pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, and functionality in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), compared to CT alone. CT alone only improved venous function in the right leg of CVI patients.