Abstract
This study investigated the oedema-preventing effect of calf muscle pumping (CMP) during and after whirlpool therapy (WT), and whether or not supine lying with or without elevation of the leg would be effective in preventing swelling of the lower leg following WT. Twenty participants underwent 20 min of WT to the experimental leg while performing CMP by means of vigorous dorsi- and plantarflexion of the ankle. Post-treatment conditions consisted of supine lying with or without CMP and supine lying with the experimental leg elevated with or without CMP. Volumetric measurements of the experimental leg were carried out before and after WT. The results showed no effect of CMP on prevention of swelling in the lower leg during WT. However, WT followed by supine lying with the experimental leg elevated resulted in the least amount of swelling. These findings were attributed to increased venous return augmented by gravity. Contrary to the results of a previous study, there was no apparent effect of CMP during and after WT on swelling in the lower leg. A rest period of 10 minutes in supine lying with the leg elevated is recommended following WT to reduce post-treatment swelling of the lower leg.
