Qantas introduces academically validated exercise video to help prevent DVT
The four-minute exercise video was developed by academics at the University of Melbourne in partnership with global health-tech company Physitrack, who are Sports Medicine Australia's official exercise technology partner.
Qantas has become the first airline in the world to launch an exercise video on all its international flights to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The four-minute plus exercise video in high definition was developed by academics at the University of Melbourne in partnership with global health-tech company Physitrack, who are Sports Medicine Australia's official exercise technology partner. Sports Medicine Australia has endorsed the exercise video.
Qantas started rolling out the exercise video on international flights this month. The video can also be viewed on the Qantas YouTube channel.
The video was developed by Professor Kim Bennell at the University of Melbourne Department of Physiotherapy. "These inflight exercises are designed to provide a safe way to stretch and enjoy movement in certain muscle groups that can become stiff as a result of long periods of sitting. They may be effective at increasing the body's blood circulation and massaging the muscles," Professor Bennell said."
It came as a bit of a surprise international airlines hadn't already introduced these exercise videos given what we know about DVT and long-haul travel. Hopefully, access to these videos will become standard on all international flights," she said.
Physitrack co-founder Nathan Skwortsow said Qantas were quick to embrace the concept. “Shot in high definition from different angles, each clip shows the correct exercise technique to motivate Qantas’ five million annual international travellers to keep moving during their flight.” In addition to being one of the safest airlines in the world, it is also great to see Qantas embracing exercise technology, even at 38,000ft”, he said.
Sports Medicine Australia CEO Nello Marino said sitting still for long periods of time in cramped conditions, such as on an airplane, can lead to swollen ankles and occasionally DVT. “Whilst the risk of DVT is extremely low, it is always important to take preventive measures as the threat is always there,” he said. “Through simple, regular stretching, mobility exercises, and walking around the cabin mid-flight your risk of DVT is dramatically reduced."
Note to news desks
Professor Kim Bennell from the University of Melbourne is available for interview:
M: +61 (0)417 477 499
Physitrack co-founder Nathan Skwortsow is available for interview:
E: ns@physitrack.com
http://www.physitrack.com
Sports Medicine Australia CEO Nello Marino is available for comment via Amanda Boshier, SMA national communications manager:
T: +61 (0)3 9674 8703
M: +61 (0)412 224 729
University of Melbourne
Rajiv Maharaj
Media Advisor
M: +61 (0)466 544 780
E: rajiv.maharaj@unimelb.edu.au
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