Exploring the feasibility of implementing a supervised exercise training and compression hosiery intervention in patients with venous ulceration: a case study

Study background and context (please read poster for more information) Over 180,000 people in the UK suffer from venous leg ulcers; it is a major health problem (Whiteley, 2013). A leg ulcer is defined as a break in the skin of the leg which has not healed after 4-6 weeks (Morris & Sander, 2007). Treatment of venous ulcers costs the NHS between £400,000 - £600,000 annually (Whiteley, 2013). Exercise training offers a financially viable adjunct to compression hosiery in the prevention and treatment of venous ulcers, via favourable effects on lower-limb blood flow and vascular function (Davies et al, 2008). Despite the potential benefits, the combined effect of exercise and compression has not yet been examined and the Royal College of Nursing is requesting for more studies to be undertaken in this area.