Venous Function in Patients with Venous Disease and Healthy Controls Before and After a Bathing Procedure and Subsequent Cold Stimulus

The object of this study was to determine whether bathing in thermal water acutely affects venous function in patients with venous insufficiency. Measurements were taken of venous function in patients with leg varicosities and healthy subjects before and after a thermal bath and exercise on two days, with subsequent application of a cold stimulus on 1 day. A total of 28 patients with varicose veins in one or both legs (n = 45 legs) and 30 healthy controls (n = 60 legs). On 2 consecutive days all subjects underwent a standardized bathing and exercise procedure in water at 34 degreesC for 20 minutes. On one day, determined randomly for each subject, a cold stimulus was applied to both lower legs after bathing. Measurements were done before subjects entered the bath and after the completion of bathing (including cold stimulus on one day). Without the cold stimulus, venous function of patients and controls did not change. After application of the cold stimulus the venous capacity of both patients and controls was significantly reduced compared with the basal levels. There was no change in maximum venous outflow in the controls, but that of the patient group decreased slightly compared with basal levels. Contrary to widespread belief, bathing in water at temperatures above 28 degreesC does not adversely affect venous function in patients with varicose veins. When applied in moderation (34 degreesC for 20 minutes) this physical therapy should not be regarded as contraindicated in this and related conditions, especially given its known hemodynamic benefits. Further studies are required to determine the long-term effects of repeated immersion.