 Paraná maneuver , makes use of a proprioceptive reflex to test venous muscle pump induced flow . ( Proprioceptive refers to a response to a perceived stimulus especially with regard to movement and position of the body ) . A slight push to the waist , triggers a muscle contraction in the leg , in order to maintain posture . This maneuver is very useful for studying deep vein flow and detecting valvular incompetence , mainly at the popliteal vein level , ( above the back of the knee ) . It is used when legs are painful or very edematous ( swollen with fluid ) . 
