Objective: To compare the effects of active and passive calf muscle contraction on the hemodynamics of the lower extremity vein.
Methods: 30 females were selected by convenient sampling. The hemodynamic indexes of the common femoral vein were measured by Duplex ultrasound during the active ankle pump exercise, active circular exercise, passive ankle pump exercise, passive circular exercise, and massage the calf muscles.
Results: There was no significant difference in the velocity of common femoral vein when the subjects do active ankle pump exercise, active circular exercise, and massage the calf muscles (p > .05), but the velocity of common femoral vein was faster than that of passive ankle pump exercise and passive circular exercise (p < .01).
Conclusion: The effects of active ankle exercise and massage on promoting venous blood return of lower extremity are better than that of passive ankle exercise.
Keywords: ankle pump exercise; circular exercise; hemodynamics; lower extremity vein; massage.