Six-month exercise training program to treat post-thrombotic syndrome: A randomized controlled two-centre trial

Susan R. Kahn, Ian Shrier, Stan Shapiro, Adrielle H. Houweling, Andrew M. Hirsch, Robert D. Reid, Clive Kearon, Khalil Rabhi, Marc A. Rodger, Michael J. Kovacs, David R. Anderson, Philip S. Wells

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

106 Scopus citations

Abstract

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; ρ = 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; ρ = 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. (Trial registered at www .controlled-trials.com, no. ISRCTN56430072.)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37-44
Number of pages8
JournalCMAJ
Volume183
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes

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