The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) supports the recent "Call to Action" by Acting Surgeon General Steven K Galson, MD, MPH to reduce the number of cases of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the United States.
According to Susan Scherer, PT, PhD, associate professor of physical therapy at Regis University in Denver and member of the APTAs cardiovascular and pulmonary section, blood clots, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can occur after periods of being immobile, such as on long plane flights.
Scherer notes that the risk of DVT increases during travel of 8 hours or more, and that an estimated 10% of passengers on long flights may develop a DVT. A clot in the legs may dislodge and travel to the lungs, called pulmonary embolus. The symptoms of leg DVT include swelling in one or both legs and tenderness in the calf. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolus include shortness of breath and a high heart rate. "People who experience any of these symptoms should always see the doctor, especially if they occur following a long period of immobilization," she says.
The APTAs In Flight Fitness Guide, featuring a range of useful exercises, can be found on its consumer Web page.
APTA suggests that passengers not stay seated for the duration of the flight and recommends that passengers walk up and down the aisle of the plane every hour or so to work the leg muscles and ease the back—that is, if the captain has turned off the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign. Compression stockings are also recommended to help reduce the risk of DVT.
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[Source: Medical News Today]
