[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the most effective method of performing ankle pumping exercises. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 10 men. We measured time-averaged maximum flow velocity and peak systolic velocity in the common femoral vein using a pulse Doppler method with a diagnostic ultrasound system during nine ankle pumping exercises (three different ankle positions and three exercise intervals). Changes of blood flow velocity during ankle pumping exercises with different ankle positions and exercise intervals were compared. [Result] Peak systolic velocity of the leg-up position showed significantly lower values than those of the supine and head-up positions. For all exercise intervals, the increased amount of blood flow velocity in the leg-up position was significantly lower than that in the head-up and supine positions. [Conclusion] Ankle positions and exercise intervals must be considered when performing effective ankle pumping exercises.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify how to effectively use elastic stockings. [Subjects and Methods] Ten young healthy men participated in this study. Time-averaged maximum flow velocity in the common femoral vein was measured for 20 seconds using a pulse Doppler method with a diagnostic ultrasound system under six conditions (three different positions and with and without stockings). Changes of blood flow velocity were compared. [Results] Elastic stockings did not affect the blood flow velocity in the common femoral vein. For both the with stockings condition and without stockings condition, the time-averaged maximum flow velocity in the head-up position was significantly lower than that in the supine and leg-up positions. Time-averaged maximum flow velocity showed no significant difference between the supine position and leg-up position. [Conclusion] Elastic stockings did not affect the blood flow velocity in the common femoral vein, but ankle positions did affect it. Further studies of patients with venous insufficiency are needed.