Marisa Garcia Qantas airways has released a new exercise video on its YouTube channel, to help passengers reduce the risks of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The video was produced in conjunction with health-tech company Physitrack, which is the official exercise technology partner of Sports Medicine Australia It features an inflight exercise routine developed through a collaboration with academics at the University of Melbourne, and endorsed by Sports Medicine Australia.
Sports Medicine Australia CEO, Nello Marino, explains that sitting still for long periods in the cramped conditions of long-haul flights, can lead to swollen ankles, and a risk of 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.”
Professor Kim Bennell at the University of Melbourne Department of Physiotherapy, who developed the video, says of the inflight exercise routine:
“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.”
Physitrack co-founder Nathan Skwortsow said Qantas “were quick to embrace the concept” of an exercise video which would help the airline’s passengers keep fit in flight.
“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,” he said. “[It is] great to see Qantas embracing exercise technology, even at 38,000ft.”
The video might have been more persuasive to flyers had the model performed the exercises while seated in the middle seat of a standard triple–even a stand-alone seat set. Using a chair instead seems like a lost opportunity, but giving passengers gentle reminders to do light exercise during long flights was a good idea.
Qantas is not the only airline to address the risks of DVT inflight and featuring well-being exercises, either at the backs of inflight magazines, or via dedicated programs on inflight entertainment channels. Airlines have tried for many years to raise passenger awareness of inflight well-being, and encouraged stretching and meditation exercises.
But Qantas is the first to publish a full-length video of YouTube, which gives passengers the opportunity to review the exercises before they board. It’s also a nice way to promote the airline, as caring after its passengers. This video makes passengers mindful of the physical effects of long-haul flights, and arms passengers with the tools they need to make flying a bit healthier. That is always commendable.
[…] (and don’t need to use the loo) then consider some stretching exercises at your seat. Airlines usually include good suggestions in the in-flight magazine and sometimes on the in-flight e… screen […]