This group were provided with a pamphlet with general preventive recommendations and, in addition, their primary care physicians prescribed to the participants a gradual compression stocking, that exerted maximum pressure on the ankle that progressively decreases towards the proximal part of the extremity and their were instructed to wear it at least 6-8 hours at day.

To the intervention carried out in the control group a home-based program of therapeutic exercise and self-massage presecribed by a physiotherapis was added. Home-based therapeutic exercises were based on calf strengthening, mobility and stretching of lower limbs performed in standing, sitting and laying position. Each exercise was performed 15-20 repetitions, 1 set, 3-4 days at week. In addition to these exercises, patients were instructed to walk, at least, 20 minutes at day. Self-massage techniques alterne manual lymphatic drainage maneuvers with superficial techniques that follow the path of saphenous veins, their respective cayaids and the anastomotic system.

Wear the compression stockin at least 6-8 hours/day

Was measured through the right and left leg circumference measurement. Four points were marked in both patients' legs (12 cm from the Hallux extreme direction to the heel, 10, 20 and 30 cm from the heel direction to knee) and total volume was calculated using the formula of the sum of all partial volumes squared divided by pi.

Was assessed using the 6-Minutes Walking Test (6MWT) that evaluates the maximum distance that the patient is able to walk in 6 minutes. To perform the test, a corridor of 30 meters with a wide enough for patients who need walking aids and at least 30 meters long is required. The place where the 30-meter distance begins and ends will be marked on the floor. Two cones will also be placed, which the patient will walk around.

Was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) that is an indirect outcome measure that seeks information on the frequency and duration of walking and daily activities that require moderate to vigorous physical effort, as well as time spent sitting during the week and at the weekend.

The prevention measures employed were quantified in a check list of 10 items that included: (1) Use of tight clothing; (2) Use of high-heeled shoes; (3) Lubrication of legs and ankles with self-massage; (4) Avoid direct heat sources on the legs; (5) Hydromassage with cold water; (6) Use of compression stockings; (7) Prevention of chronic constipation; (8) Continued trauma to legs and feet; (9) Elevate legs during the day or night; (10) Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. A total score of 0 implies that none of the venous hygiene measures was carried out, and a score of 10 implies that all of them are fulfilled.

Venous symptoms (fatigue, cramps, heaviness, pain, irritation or tingling), previous venous symptoms, prior thrombosis and venotonic drugs intake. The severity of the CVI was measured too through the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). VCSS measures 10 clinical descriptors: pain, varicose veins, venous oedema, skin pigmentation, inflammation, induration, number of ulcers, duration of active ulcers, ulcer size and use of compression therapy. The items were scored from 0 to 3, with a total score of 30 points. This study has demonstrated good intra and interobserver reliability and has been widely used in research.

Age, sex, heigh, weight, body mass index and job position.

Comorbidities including diabetes, cardiorespiratory dysfunction, high blood pressure, cholesterol were recorded were recruited. The smoking habit was measured using the Fageström questionnaire, which uses 6 items to analyse the level of nicotine dependence and has demonstrated reliability and validity in its Spanish version.