WELLNESS
MANY ADULTS HAVE MUSCLES THAT NEED REJUVENATING
WHETHER IT IS FROM LONG DAYS IN THE OFFICE, FROM HOURS ON THEIR FEET OR FROM ACTIVE AGEING
Most individuals do not have medically diagnosed condition affecting circulation, but almost all experience pain or tingling sensations in the limbs. This is often the result of poor circulation that is brought about by poor posture, being immobile for prolonged periods, and the natural deterioration of our body. These isolated conditions may not be a major cause for concern but poor circulation might be.
Be it when traveling long distances in a flight, or working long hours at work, most individuals spend a considerable amount of time being immobile. This causes a reduction on circulation within the limbs and hence results in legs feeling tired and achy.
SITUATIONAL
DISCOMFORT FELT AS A RESULT OF PRO-LONGED PERIODS OF INACTIVITY AS A RESULT OF BEING IN A CERTAIN SITUATION
The number of people traveling on long distance flights for business or leisure has increased over the past 5 years. New studies have shown that each year up to 300 million people take flights which last longer than 4 hours [7]. During these long flights, even though sitting for long periods may seem as letting legs rest, research has shown that sitting for prolonged periods which restrict mobility can be harmful to the body [8].
While legs remain idle, the calf muscle remains inactive, and as a result the calf muscle pump does not operate as normal. This inactivity does not pose a problem if it is for a short time; however, when it remains active for a prolonged period the circulation of blood from the lower legs is affected. This could result in pooling of blood in the lower legs which results in the legs feeling tired and achy and, in some cases, could also result in swelling of the legs.
OCCUPATIONAL
DISCOMFORT FELT AS A RESULT OF PRO-LONGED PERIODS OF INACTIVITY AS A RESULT OF AN OCCUPATION
Working while standing is common in the workplace, now even more so with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare professionals and all others involved with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic are seen to be on their feet for prolonged periods. Further professions such as teaching, construction, and even data mining all require you to be seated for prolonged periods.
Prolonged standing and/or sitting has shown to be associated with an increase in muscular pain associated with the lower back and limbs, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, varicose veins and other chronic diseases [9] [10] [11].
Working while standing can reduce the pain associated with the upper torso; however, recent studies have shown a strong causal link between Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) in the lower limb as a result of prolonged standing and sitting [12].
Studies have shown “evidence of CVD in 59.4% of individuals working in a sitting posture and in 83.4% of those working in a standing posture” [13].
The calf muscle plays a significant role in the skeletal muscle pump to aid circulation in the lower body. When standing/sitting for a prolonged period, the calf muscle is inactive. Hence the skeletal-muscle pump does not operate as it would normally do.
This results in the pooling of blood in the lower limbs due to gravity as there is not enough compression to maintain sufficient circulation [14]. Thus, preventing the tissues and organs from getting the needed requirements resulting in feeling tired/achy legs.
Further, prolonged standing can also increase in the hydrostatic venous pressure, this can cause damage to the venous walls and valves, which could overtime result in conditions such as Venous Insufficiency.
Thus, prophylactic measures need to be taken to maintain circulation at optimal levels whilst allowing the user to carry out tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
SENIORS
DISCOMFORT FELT BY THE ELDERLY AS A RESULT OF THE BODY AGEING
With significant advances in the health tech space and a shift towards a more active lifestyle the elderly population of the world is steadily increasing.
The growing elderly population do not want to only live longer, but live longer, healthier and an active life, i.e. active ageing. In doing so, they look forwards to be more independent. However, with age, inevitably the functionality of the human body naturally decreases. e.g.: blood vessels get stiffer, valves of veins degrade, cartilages on joints begin to erode due to wear and tear etc.
These deteriorations can affect the circulatory system and influence blood circulation to the limbs, and as a result this can impede the mobility of an individual.
Engaging in a daily walk or a form of physical activity has shown to have a significant positive impact on improving physical and mental wellbeing; by maintaining muscle strength and cognitive function, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving self-esteem [15].
Hence, it is our goal to alleviate the pain and help the elderly community get back to their active lifestyle. See how wavetec™ can help with improving circulation.
