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A home-based progressive resistance exercise programme for patients with venous leg ulcers: a feasibility study
Jane O'Brien1, Helen Edwards, Ian Stewart
1School of Nursing & Midwifery, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. j3.obrien@qut.edu.au
International Wound Journal
|June 16, 2012
Summary
A home-based exercise program showed feasibility for venous leg ulcers, improving healing rates and calf muscle pump function. This pilot study suggests exercise is beneficial for venous ulcer management and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are chronic wounds with significant impact on quality of life.
- Current treatments focus on compression therapy, but healing rates remain suboptimal.
- Home-based exercise programs offer a potential adjunct therapy for VLU management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a home-based progressive resistance exercise program for patients with VLUs.
- To examine the effects of this exercise program on VLU healing rates.
- To evaluate the impact on calf muscle pump function and ankle range of motion.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized controlled trial comparing an exercise intervention group with a usual care group.
- Participants (n=13 per group) had active venous ulceration.
- Data collected included ulcer size, healing status, calf muscle pump function, and ankle range of motion.
Main Results:
- The home-based exercise program was found to be feasible.
- The intervention group showed a 32% greater decrease in ulcer size and a 10% improvement in healing rates compared to usual care.
- Significant improvements were observed in calf muscle pump function (ejection fraction, residual volume fraction) and ankle range of motion in the exercise group.
Conclusions:
- Home-based progressive resistance exercise is a feasible and potentially effective intervention for venous leg ulcers.
- Exercise interventions can improve VLU healing and enhance calf muscle pump function.
- Further research with larger, multi-site studies is warranted to confirm these findings.
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