Effectiveness Of Water Based Closed Chain Exercise On Pedal Oedema On Obese Individual

Abstract

Introduction: Even in the absence of systemic problems like heart, kidney, or liver abnormalities, overweight people may experience pedal oedema, a common clinical issue. Overweight causes swelling, pain, and decreased mobility by raising hydrostatic pressure in the lower limbs and obstructing venous and lymphatic return. By combining hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy, and resistance, aquatic treatment provides a special setting that can improve circulation, reduce oedema, and lessen joint stress.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a four-week water-based closed-chain exercise program on pedal oedema, pain, and functional mobility in overweight individuals without comorbidities.

Methods:

A pre–post interventional study was conducted on 20 overweight participants (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m², aged 40–60 years) presenting with pedal oedema. Participants underwent 12 supervised sessions of water-based closed-chain exercises over four weeks (three sessions per week). Outcome measures included edema volume (water displacement method), ankle circumference (figure-of-eight technique), pain (Visual Analogue Scale), and functional ability (Lower Extremity Functional Scale). Pre- and post-values were compared.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed after intervention: edema volume decreased from 540 ± 55 mL to 230 ± 60 mL (p < 0.001), ankle circumference reduced by 1.8 cm (p < 0.01), pain scores dropped from 6.5 ± 1.1 to 3.3 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001), and LEFS scores increased from 52 ± 5.2 to 66 ± 4.5 (p < 0.001). No adverse events occurred, and all participants completed the program.

Conclusion:

A structured four-week program of water-based closed-chain exercises significantly reduces pedal oedema, alleviates pain, and enhances lower-limb function in overweight adults without comorbidities. Aquatic physiotherapy can therefore serve as an effective, low-impact, and safe intervention for managing mild lower-limb swelling in this population