FISCU II
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and pilot-testing of a home-based exercise training and compression hosiery intervention for people with venous ulceration.
IRAS ID
193778
Contact name
Markos Klonizakis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) affect almost 400,000 people over the age of 65 in the U.K. These are triggered by inadequate blood flow through the veins, causing pain, mobility restrictions, devastation and social isolation. Each VLU costs about £2k/year to the NHS, while annual healthcare costs are about £400 million. \nCompression therapy (most commonly stockings or bandages) are used to treat VLUs: although healing rates are good, ulcers often return. Moreover, many remain open for up to 1 year, needing about 50 visits to heal. Consequently, supportive therapies to compression are needed to reduce healing times. \nExercise may provide an answer. We recently examined if it was possible to use a 12-week, community-based exercise programme, along with compression therapy, to treat VLUs. The programme was safe, participants enjoyed it and were attending their sessions. The programme also offered reduced healing times and savings to the NHS of up £875/ulcer. Nevertheless, the programme wasn’t accessible by people who are house-bound and could otherwise do the programme exercises. Therefore, we need to design and explore the practicality of a home-based exercise programme, which would be offered to patients who cannot travel. This is worth trying, as our findings indicate that 74% of house-bound people with VLUs would willingly try such a programme. \nOur 3-phase study will last 9 months. In Phase 1, people with VLUs will help us design the home-based exercise programme. In Phase-2, we will recruit 5-6 people with VLUs in Sheffield, who although house-bound, can do some exercises (flexibility, stretching and chair-aerobics) and are mentally healthy. We will have the intervention tested and explore any changes that might take place in the lower leg physiology and quality of life. Finally, in Phase-3 we will talk to Phase-2 participants, to hear about their study experience and refine the programme further.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1983
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion