title: Randomized study assessing the influence of supervised exercises on ankle joint mobility in patients with venous leg ulcerations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to assess the influence of a supervised programme of exercises on ankle joint mobility in patients with venous leg ulcerations.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out between 2008 and 2009 at the Venous Ulcer Treatment Outpatient Clinic and Clinic of General and Vascular Surgery of the Dr Jan Biziel University Hospital no. 2 in Bydgoszcz. It was a randomized control study in which 32 patients with venous leg ulcerations were qualified. Patients with ulcerations were randomized to 2 groups - 16 patients were included in the group with a supervised programme of exercises and the other 16 patients were included in the control group performing physical exercises by themselves, without supervision. The ranges of ankle joint mobility were assessed before, during and after the end of the 9-week exercise programme. A 32 cm goniometer with a scale from 0° to 180° with accuracy to 1° was used for measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both groups a substantial increase of ankle joint mobility (p < 0.05) was observed. The total ankle joint mobility after completion of the exercises was significantly higher in the group performing exercises under the supervision of a nurse. Having a significant effect on the mobility of the ankle were the ulceration area, the extent of lipodermatosclerosis, and the intensity of symptoms and signs of CVI (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supervised physical exercises broaden the range of ankle joint mobility. They should constitute an integral part of a holistic model of care for patients with venous leg ulcerations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery Nursing, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
authors.forename: Maria T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Szewczyk
authors.forename: Arkadiusz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jawień
authors.forename: Justyna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cwajda-Białasik
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cierzniakowska
authors.forename: Paulina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mościcka
authors.forename: Elżbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hancke