Physical activity in patients with venous leg ulcer – between engagement and avoidance. A patient perspective
2011

Understanding Physical Activity in Patients with Venous Leg Ulcer

Sample size: 22 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Roaldsen Kirsti Skavberg, Biguet Gabriele Elfving Britt

Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet

Hypothesis

How do individuals with current or previous venous leg ulcers perceive and understand physical activity?

Conclusion

Participants experienced physical activity as a positive factor in life, but faced barriers such as pain and insufficient information from caregivers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants reported insufficient or contradictory information from caregivers regarding physical activity.
  • Barriers to physical activity included pain, swelling, and fear of injury.
  • Physical activity was perceived differently based on whether participants viewed their leg ulcer as a chronic or acute condition.

Takeaway

People with leg ulcers want to stay active, but they often feel scared or confused about how to do it safely.

Methodology

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews analyzed through a phenomenographic approach.

Potential Biases

Participants may have been biased towards those interested in physical activity.

Limitations

The study may not represent patients treating their wounds at home and results may not be generalizable to all contexts.

Participant Demographics

{"gender":{"female":13,"male":9},"age":{"median":75,"range":"60-85"},"marital_status":{"married_or_cohabitant":12,"not_married":10},"occupational_status":{"full_time_work":2,"sickness_pension":1,"old_age_pension":19}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1177/0269215510371424

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication