Respiratory and Physical Functions in Individuals With Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic Venous Insufficiency affects approximately 30% of the global population and its main symptoms are pain, edema, throbbing, feeling of heaviness in the extremities, itching, varicose veins and tissue changes. Pain in CVI is a chronic condition that negatively affects the quality of life due to physical function and limitation of movement. Limitation of ankle movement in CVI is one of the factors that increase edema and venous severity. Fibrotic tissue formations in the lower extremity cause limitation in ankle movements. In a study by De Moura et al. it was found that walking speed, muscle strength and functional capacity levels of patients with chronic venous insufficiency were limited compared to healthy individuals. Venous function is reflected from venous return, venous resistance and its effects on cardiac output. Venous filling time is a parameter of venous function and is shortened as a result of valve insufficiency, vessel wall dilatation and muscle pump dysfunction. The calf muscles compress the deep intramuscular veins, directing blood flow from the veins to the heart. However, muscle pump dysfunction is not limited to the calf muscle but also includes inspiratory muscle dysfunction. It is known that the diaphragm creates a suction effect in the inferior vena cava during inspiration and expiration, allowing more blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart. The respiratory cycle has been shown to affect venous return in healthy individuals by increasing deep inspiration and the flow rate of the femoral vein. Researches investigating pulmonary function in chronic venous insufficiency are very limited. For this reason, in this study it was aimed to investigate edema, pain, respiratory muscle strength, respiratory function, functional capacity, lower extremity strength and quality of life in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency and asymptomatic healthy individuals and to compare these parameters between the two groups.

Inclusion criteria

for individuals with chronic venous insufficiency:

• Being diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency
• Being in one of the C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 stages according to the 'Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, Pathophysiologic' (CEAP) scale
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• 18 years of age or older

Exclusion criteria

for individuals with chronic venous insufficiency:

• Presence of arterial disease,
• The presence of advanced cardiorespiratory diseases,
• Orthopaedic and neurological disorders affecting walking,
• Presence of acute ulcers (< 3 months) and diabetic ulcers,
• Being pregnant.
• History of deep vein thrombosis,
• Presence of active infection

Inclusion criteria

for asymptomatic healthy individuals:

• 18 years of age and older
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Individuals who can understand and answer questionnaires and measurements

Exclusion criteria

for asymptomatic healthy individuals:

• Individuals with any physical or mental disability
• Individuals with any acute or chronic infection and/or health problems