Physical activity and adherence to compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess levels of physical activity, particularly walking and leg exercises, among patients with venous leg ulcers and the extent to which patients adhere to compression therapy.


METHODS
Descriptive cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Patients from 12 outpatient dermatology clinics were invited to participate in this study. When they agreed, they were asked to wear an accelerometer for a week and were then interviewed at the outpatient clinic. Patients A total of 150 patients with leg ulcers caused mainly by venous insufficiency.


METHODS
The amount of moderately strenuous physical activity, the amount of walking, and adherence to compression therapy.


RESULTS
In this study, 39% of the patients interviewed displayed adherence to compression therapy. Self-reported data validated by the use of an accelerometer indicated that the amount of moderately strenuous activity in the study group was low compared with that of the general Dutch population; 35% of the patients did not have a 10-minute walk even once a week.


CONCLUSIONS
Low levels of physical activity were established in a group of 150 patients with venous leg ulcers. Full adherence to compression therapy was reported in about 40% of the patients. Patients should be educated and encouraged to (1) enhance physical activity through walking and leg exercises and (2) increase adherence to compression therapy.
Heinen
Maud M
MM
Centre for Quality of Care Research, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Kwazo 114, PO Box 9101, 6500 BH Nijmegen, the Netherlands. m.heinen@kwazo.umcn.nl
van der Vleuten
Carine
C
de Rooij
Michette J M
MJ
Uden
Caro J T
CJ
Evers
Andrea W M
AW
van Achterberg
Theo
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010349:Patient Compliance; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016138:Walking