ANALYZING FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY AND BALANCE DEFICIENCIES IN VARICOSE VEIN PATIENTS

Highlights

• Venous insufficiency can significantly limit the functions of the lower extremities. However, the effect of varicose veins on functional mobility and balance has not been sufficiently studied, which creates a gap in understanding the full picture of the disease.
• Impaired mobility and balance reduce the quality of life of patients. Restrictions in daily activity make it difficult to perform household tasks, reduce social activity, and can lead to psychological maladaptation.

Background. Venous insufficiency being a common manifestation of varicose vein (VV) frequently negotiate the lower extremity functions yet their influence on functional mobility and balance remains underexplored. Functional limitations and balance disorders may exponentially increase the risk of fall and hence, reducing quality of life, particularly when the venous deficiency progresses.

Aim. To evaluate functional mobility, muscle strength and balance deficit in VV patients with different Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological (CEAP) scoring using Time up and go test (TUG), Berg Balance scale (BBS) and manual muscle testing (MMT) scores.

Methods. A pilot study with 15 participants clinically diagnosed with VV was carried out. Participants were categorised according to CEAP guidelines and assessed using TUG, BBS and MMT. Data collected was then analysed to determine the correlation between CEAP stages and functional performance parameters.

Results. Data collected showed that participants with higher CEAP demonstrated substantially prolonged TUG time, reduced BBS and MMT grades. As compared to those scoring low on CEAP classifications. The result indicates a strong visible trend of deteriorating functional mobility, balance, and muscle strength with progressing venous insufficiency.

Conclusion. Statistical data obtained proves a strong connotation between CEAP classification and functional deterioration in VV patients in terms. Early and prompt identification of functional mobility and balance debits is imperative for opportune assistance, fall prevention, and improving patient outcomes.

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