Effectiveness of Early Mobilization in Hospitalized Patients with Deep Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common problem among hospitalized patients. It places the patient at risk for pulmonary embolism (PE), recurrent thrombosis, and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). In particular, up to 50% of patients with proximal DVT of the lower extremity develop PE. Because of the high mortality rate, there is a great concern from physiotherapists and physicians regarding patient’s treatment in the hospital setting. Thus, the purpose of the present review is to examine the effectiveness of early mobilization on acute leg DVT of lower extremity in hospitalized patients. Current evidence showed that early mobilization, i.e., walking and/or exercising, with anticoagulation and leg compression may be encouraged in patients with acute DVT. Recent studies reported the benefits of reduction in pain and edema, with improvement in quality of life when using the therapeutic strategy of early mobilization in patients with DVT. Early mobilization does not appear to increase the risk of developing PE, progression of an existing DVT, or developing a new DVT. Further research with larger hospitalized patient samples is required to determine the appropriate time in which ambulation should initiate after DVT, and whether exercise (regular or vigorous) or not exercise is more effective for DVT, PE, and PTS.