Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Physical activity in patients with deep venous thrombosis: a systematic review
Susan R Kahn1, Ian Shrier, Clive Kearon
1Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. susan.kahn@mcgill.ca
Objectives:
We performed a systematic review to assess the benefits or risks of physical activity in patients with an acute or previous DVT of the leg.
Data Sources:
PubMed, EMBASE and Science Citation Index were searched without language restrictions up to July 2007. Bibliographies of retrieved articles and personal files were also searched.
Review Methods:
Randomized trials and prospective cohort studies that included patients with acute or previous DVT, described an exercise intervention or exercise exposure, and described any related clinical outcome were selected. Data were independently extracted by 2 investigators.
Results:
Seven randomized trials and two prospective observational studies were included. Early exercise, compared with bed rest, was associated with a similar short-term risk of pulmonary embolism in patients with acute DVT and led to more rapid resolution of limb pain. In patients with acute DVT, a 6 month daily walking program led to similar degrees of vein recanalization and improvement in quality of life as controls. In patients with previous DVT, 30 min of vigorous treadmill exercise did not worsen venous symptoms and improved calf muscle flexibility; a 6 month exercise training program improved calf muscle strength and pump function; and high levels of physical activity at one month tended to be associated with reduced severity of postthrombotic symptoms during the subsequent 3 months.
Conclusions:
Early walking exercise is safe in patients with acute DVT and may help to reduce acute symptoms. Exercise training does not increase leg symptoms acutely in patients with a previous DVT and may help to prevent or improve the postthrombotic syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Venous Return
What is Venous Return?
Venous return refers to the rate at which blood flows back to the heart from the body's peripheral veins. It's an integral part of the circulatory system as it...