Effects of various knee-raising postures in a supine position on swelling in the lower legs and feet in elderly women

The present study examined the effects of different knee-raising postures in the supine position on swelling in the lower legs and feet of elderly women. Seven elderly women with no illness-related swelling maintained a supine position for 40 min on a bed under four knee-raising postures: downhill, raising the knees and further raising the feet; horizon, raising the knees with the lower legs in a horizontal position; mountain, raising the knees to a height above the feet; and control, stretching the knees without elevation of the feet. While maintaining a supine position, downhill and horizon conditions showed significant decreases in circumferences and increased bio-impedance at all measured positions of the calf and foot, compared to the control condition. In contrast, the mountain condition did not show decreases in all circumferences. No significant differences were found for heart rate, blood pressure or scores of subjective comfort in any body areas among the conditions. These results suggest that the downhill and horizon conditions have effects on lower leg swelling without causing additional discomfort or circulatory strain.