Deep Vein Thrombosis, Economy Class Syndrome
DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis is a very rare condition, also known as Economy Class Syndrome. Anyone who sits motionless for a long time may develop stagnation of body fluids, which can cause small clumps of clotted blood in the lower legs. If the legs are not exercised these clots can grow and later cause more serious conditions. To reduce the risk of DVT we recommend you try some of the subtle aerobic exercises as described above while in your seat. Also drink plenty of water and move about the cabin, when possible.
When you’re sitting upright in a stationary position for a long time your body can stiffen up. Try some of these subtle aerobic exercises while in your seat to try and loosen up.
- Foot pumps: lift toes off the ground, hold, stretch, then put toes down and lift heels.
- Ankle circles: lift foot off floor, draw a circle with toe for 15 secs. Reverse.
- Knee lifts: lift leg with knee bent, contract thigh muscle, 20 times each leg.
- Neck roll: relax shoulders, drop ear to shoulder, gently roll neck forward and back.
- Shoulder hunch: hunch shoulders forward, upward, backward, and down in gentle circular motion.
