Effect of Physical Therapy on Wound Healing and Quality of Life in Patients With Venous Leg Ulcers

Abstract

The lack of evidence and randomized clinical trials suggests the need for further investigation on physical therapy-oriented exercise on wound healing and QOL. In addition, more studies are needed to investigate sustainability of the increased ankle ROM after physical therapy has ended or if VLU reoccurrences are prevented.

Comparing cutaneous research funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the US skin disease burden

“…26 Dermatitis is well established with persistent loss of sleep cycle, intractable pruritus, stress, and impact on social interactions. [27][28][29][30][31] Thus, the GBD metric likely grossly underestimates the true burden from these skin conditions. Lobbying by specific disease interest groups such as the Melanoma Research Foundation and National Psoriasis Foundation may contribute to increased allocations for certain diseases.…”

Supervised exercise training as an adjunct therapy for venous leg ulcers: a randomized controlled feasibility trial

“…[19][20][21] A recent systematic review suggested further research to determine whether exercise training has an effect on ulcer healing and QoL. 22 Our team recently completed 'FISCU' [Feasibility of Implementing Supervised exercise training alongside Compression therapy in people with venous Ulceration; a National Institute for Health Research-funded study (PB-PG-0213-30029)] 5 to assess the feasibility of a 12-week supervised exercise programme combining aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises as an adjunct therapy to compression in patients with VLUs. We report on rates of screening, eligibility, recruitment, retention, outcome completion, exercise adherence and adverse events (AEs).…”

“…In patients with VLUs, supervised calf muscle exercise has been shown to increase calf muscle pump function and improve lower‐limb haemodynamics, as well as mobility and QoL . A recent systematic review suggested further research to determine whether exercise training has an effect on ulcer healing and QoL …”

Enhancing the Role of Physical Therapy in Venous Leg Ulcer Management

“…The shortcomings in the literature surrounding exercise and QOL assessments for individuals with VLUs were well addressed by Yim et al 1 The importance of exercise in general for any patient for whom the goal is to improve overall health and cardiovascular performance is without question; however, when one looks at evidence to support exercise to improve calf muscle pump dysfunction, greater specificity is required. An appropriate exercise plan developed by the physical therapist should address the mode, frequency, duration, and intensity and should be implemented in a supervised program to facilitate adherence.…”