Feasibility of an Early Initiated Physiotherapy Intervention Among Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Feasibility of an Early Initiated Physiotherapy Intervention Among Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Feasibility of an Early Initiated Physiotherapy Intervention Among Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The project will investigate the feasibility of a physiotherapy intervention for patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis for whom a physiotherapy intervention is not currently part of clinical practice in Denmark. Specifically, the project will investigate if an early-initiated physiotherapy intervention for patients who are admitted acutely with first-time deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be carried out and is experienced as valuable for the patients.

This study aims to investigate whether it is possible for patients diagnosed with DVT to complete early mobilization combined with progressive walking during their hospitalization and the first month after discharge. This study is twofold. Part one is a clinical cohort study and will investigate the feasibility using quantitative outcomes. Part two is a qualitative study using interviews to investigate the patients' experiences with and attititudes towards a physiotherapy guided intervention of early mobilization combined with progressive walking during their hospitalization and one month after discharge to their own home. If the physiotherapy intervention is deemed feasible and acceptable, a future randomized controlled trial will investigate the effect of the intervention on quality of life.

All participants will recieve the intervention (see Intervention for description) to investigate the feasibility.

The focus of the intervention is on exercises that can improve venous return, and consists of progressive walking training at moderate and high intensity as well as guidance on physical activity. The training program is inspired by the WHO's recommendations for physical activity. The training program consists of a 14-day introductory period based on an initial interview with a physiotherapist, where the aim is to hit 30 min. times/day at moderate intensity. After 14 days, the patient receives physiotherapeutic guidance in physical activity and is introduced to the next period of 14 days, where the activity level is maintained, and the goal is to further achieve 2 x 20 min./week of high-intensity physical activity. After one month of training, the patient will be guided on maintaining and possibly progressing physical activity.

That no adverse events, which can be related to the intervention, are recorded during the training period

Inclusion Criteria: 18 years or above First time lower extremity DVT Hospitalized at the Emergency Department Exclusion Criteria: Patients without a Danish social security number Terminal patients Patients who do not understand or speak Danish