Antiswelling Effect of StepIt—an Active Foot Pump System

Background: StepIt is a device for active movement of the foot that simulates normal walking with calf muscle contractions. Methods: In 40 healthy volunteers with predominantly office work and sitting conditions, StepIt was used regularly for 1 day, and the volume of the calf, approximated to a truncated cone, was measured before and after using StepIt. One leg was used as a control, and after 5 days, the exercise was repeated, with the other leg as the control. Results: The volume of the leg increased during the day and the increase was significantly smaller in the leg that used StepIt. Conclusions: By using a device for active foot movement in healthy people, it is possible, in some individuals, to reduce the swelling that occurs during sitting conditions.