ISSN : 1301-5680
e-ISSN : 2149-8156
Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery     
Differences in pain, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency based on physical activity level
İlke Keser1, Kadirhan Özdemir1, Dilek Erer2, İlknur Onurlu3, Sabiha Bezgin4
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
2Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
3Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
4Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Kırıkkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Kırıkkale, Turkey
DOI : 10.5606/tgkdc.dergisi.2020.18068
Background: This study aims to compare the effect of different physical activity levels on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

Methods: Between October 2018 and February 2019, a total of 69 patients (4 males, 65 females; mean age 50 years; range, 19 to 73 years) who were diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency and consulted for physiotherapy were included in the study. The physical activity level of the patients was determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in three groups as light, moderate, or vigorous. Fatigue, pain, and QoL were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, visual analog scale (during the night, activity, and rest), and Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality/Symptom Scale, respectively.

Results: Of a total of 69 patients, 17 were in the light-intensity physical activity group, 32 in the moderate-intensity physical activity group, and 20 in the vigorous-intensity physical activity group. Perceived pain during activity and fatigue were significantly different between the light- and moderate-intensity physical activity groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in pain, fatigue, and quality of life scores between the vigorous-intensity physical activity group and the other two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that a moderate level of physical activity may be helpful to overcome symptoms such as pain and fatigue in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and to improve quality of life.

Keywords : Fatigue Severity Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, physical activity, Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality/Symptom Scale, visual analog scale, venous insufficiency
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