Use of the Human Activity Profile to evaluate functional performance in chronic venous insufficiency: A validity study.

INTRODUCTION

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by impaired venous return, leading to venous hypertension. As it progresses, patients tend to develop functional alterations. The Human Activity Profile (HAP) is a validated instrument for assessing daily functional performance in chronic conditions. However, its validity and clinical utility as a functional assessment tool specifically for people with CVI remain unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To verify the validity of HAP in functional evaluation by the association with functional aspects in patients with CVI.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study in which 50 patients with CVI (65.7 ± 11.5 years, CEAP 1 to 6) were recruited and submitted to assessment of physical activity level and functional performance by the HAP. Patients also performed the Sit-to-Stand Test (SST) of 5 repetitions and 60 s to assess lower limb strength and endurance. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) was assessed by the Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), calf muscle strength and endurance by the Heel-Rise Test (HRT), and handgrip strength by dynamometry. The CIVIQ-14 questionnaire assessed health-related quality of life, and calf circumference was also evaluated.

RESULTS

In the correlation analysis, HAP correlated with WLT (r = 0.606; p < 0.001), HRT repetitions (r = 0.457; p = 0.001), HRT execution time (r = 0.427; p = 0.002), STS5 (r=-0.430; p = 0.002), STS60 (r = 0.450; p = 0.001), and quality of life (r=-0.631; p = 0.002). Participants in the highest HAP group performed better on the WBLT, HRT (repetitions and time), and STS60 (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found in the HAP score (p = 0.037) when the sample was stratified into mild CVI (CEAP ≤ 3) and severe CVI (CEAP ≥ 4).

CONCLUSION

HAP is a valuable tool that can be used both in the assessment of functionality and in monitoring clinical management and progression of CVI.