The ever-increasing pace of life, and thus constant stress, poor nutrition and lack of time for physical activity caused the development of many diseases referred to as civilization diseases, i.e., obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic diseases or generalized atherosclerosis. They have a significant impact on the development of pathological changes in all tissues of the human body.
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal massages and controlled physical training on the temperature of lower limbs in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.
Materials and methods: The study included 50 patients, women and men, aged from 39 to 79 years, with impaired peripheral circulation of the lower limbs. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, each of 25 patients. In group I, a series of 10 lower limb massage vortex procedures and an individually selected training including breathing, relaxation and active exercises of the lower limbs were used. In Group II, individually selected training was conducted. The temperature of the lower extremities was measured in all the subjects using an infrared multifunction thermometer (IR). The measurements were carried out before the beginning of the rehabilitation program and after its completion.
Results: There was a statistically significant increase of lower limbs' temperature in group I (p <0.001).
Conclusions: The applied vortex massage treatments significantly influenced the improvement of the lower limbs' warmth. Treatments in the field of hydrotherapy have a beneficial effect in the treatment of patients with chronic lower limb ischemia.
Keywords: atherosclerosis; cardiac rehabilitation; hydrotherapy; peripheral circulation disorders.
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