Optimal Calf Muscle Pump Activity

Optimal Calf Muscle Pump Activity

Decreasing venous stasis

The following is an extract from a report titled:
Preliminary Evaluation of Recommended Airline Exercises for Optimal Calf Muscle Pump Activity

Objectives: A preliminary study to investigate which of the recommended airline exercises for DVT prevention produce optimal calf muscle pump activity.

Methods: Four subjects were instructed to carry out ten lower leg exercises based on those recommended by airlines for DVT prevention. An EMG sensor was used to record calf muscle activity and a motion analysis system was used to ensure the exercise was conducted correctly.

Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the level of calf muscle pump activity induced by the different exercises. Heel rise foot pumps were shown to induce highest levels of activity while many exercises did not induce any significant calf muscle activity at all.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that a further, more detailed examination of the exercises recommended to passengers for DVT prevention on long distance flights should be conducted to determine the potential benefit to the health and safety of the passenger.

Regular contraction of the calf muscles is an essential factor in the circulatory system. Failure to exercise the calf muscles for prolonged periods may result in limited or poor blood circulation in the lower leg and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). An association between long distance travel and increased risk of DVT has been established. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that passengers at high risk from DVT should exercise on a regular basis whilst on long distance flights. Most airlines provide information on a number of recommended lower leg exercises as a DVT preventive measure. Not all lower leg exercises induce active contraction of the calf muscle pump and therefore may not be beneficial in the prevention of DVT.

Decreasing venous stasis through active voluntary contraction of the calf muscle pump is beneficial in the prevention of DVT. Major airlines provide information in various forms on a number of lower leg exercises recommended for decreasing the risk of DVT however, they do not indicate which exercises optimise CMPA.