RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Six-month exercise training program to treat post-thrombotic syndrome: a randomized controlled two-centre trial
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 37
OP 44
DO 10.1503/cmaj.100248
VO 183
IS 1
A1 Kahn, Susan R.
A1 Shrier, Ian
A1 Shapiro, Stan
A1 Houweling, Adrielle H.
A1 Hirsch, Andrew M.
A1 Reid, Robert D.
A1 Kearon, Clive
A1 Rabhi, Khalil
A1 Rodger, Marc A.
A1 Kovacs, Michael J.
A1 Anderson, David R.
A1 Wells, Philip S.
YR 2011
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/183/1/37.abstract
AB Background Exercise training may have the potential to improve post-thrombotic syndrome, a frequent, chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis. We conducted a randomized controlled two-centre pilot trial to assess the feasibility of a multicentre-based evaluation of a six-month exercise training program to treat post-thrombotic syndrome and to obtain preliminary data on the effectiveness of such a program. Methods Patients were randomized to receive exercise training (a six-month trainer-supervised program) or control treatment (an education session with monthly phone follow-ups). Levels of eligibility, consent, adherence and retention were used as indicators of study feasibility. Primary outcomes were change from baseline to six months in venous disease-specific quality of life (as measured using the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality of Life [VEINES-QOL] questionnaire) and severity of post-thrombotic syndrome (as measured by scores on the Villalta scale) in the exercise training group versus the control group, assessed by t tests. Secondary outcomes were change in generic quality of life (as measured using the Short-Form Health Survey-36 [SF-36] questionnaire), category of severity of post-thrombotic syndrome, leg strength, leg flexibility and time on treadmill. Results Of 95 patients with post-thrombotic syndrome, 69 were eligible, 43 consented and were randomized, and 39 completed the study. Exercise training was associated with improvement in VEINES-QOL scores (exercise training mean change 6.0, standard deviation [SD] 5.1 v. control mean change 1.4, SD 7.2; difference 4.6, 95% CI 0.54 to 8.7; p = 0.027) and improvement in scores on the Villalta scale (exercise training mean change −3.6, SD 3.7 v. control mean change −1.6, SD 4.3; difference −2.0, 95% CI −4.6 to 0.6; p = 0.14). Most secondary outcomes also showed greater improvement in the exercise training group. Interpretation Exercise training may improve post-thrombotic syndrome. It would be feasible to definitively evaluate exercise training as a treatment for post-thrombotic syndrome in a large multicentre trial.