Qantas launches world's 1st inflight exercise video to reduce threat of deep vein thrombosis

Australian flag-carrier Qantas has become the world's first airline to release an exercise video on its international flights, in an attempt to lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to long haul travelers.

The four-minute video was created by the physiotherapy department at the University of Melbourne in an attempt to get passengers active during a long flight.

Professor Kim Bennell said DVT was a concern for travelers, but the video would serve to raise awareness and lower the chances of developing inflight DVT.

"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," she said on Thursday.

Bennell was shocked to learn that the video was the first of its kind in the world, but said it would likely become standard once other airlines develop their own videos.

"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.

The video was created in conjunction with global health-tech provider Physitrack, and co-founder Nathan Skwortsow applauded Qantas for leading the way for inflight exercise.

"In addition to being one of the safest airlines in the world, it is also great to see Qantas embracing exercise technology, even at 38,000 feet," he said.

Sports Medicine Australia has also endorsed the video, and CEO Nello Marino said while the chance of developing DVT inflight wasn 't high, it was important to keep blood flowing, as the heart must work harder to pump blood around the body.

"Whilst the risk of DVT is 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."

The video is to be rolled out on all Qantas international flights before the end of June. Endi