AbstractBackgroundVenous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a common and costly problem. Due to a cycle of healing and recurrence, they are challenging to treat. Adults with VLUs are less likely to be physically active and show greater sleep disturbances than the general population; limited evidence suggests these issues contribute to VLU healing delays. Furthermore, there is limited evidence suggesting that physical activity aids healing outcomes, despite a sound theoretical rationale. ObjectivesThe primary objective is to determine if physical activity and sleep are associated with VLU healing (at 12 weeks). The secondary objectives are to 1) examine the feasibility and acceptability of wActiSleep-BT device wear, and to determine whether physical activity and sleep levels are associated with: 2) delayed healing 3) and recurrence within 24 weeks; 4) adherence to compression therapy; 5) self-reported quality of life; 6) self-reported venous leg ulcer pain; 7) self-reported physical activity. Design and methodThis prospective observational cohort pilot study aims to recruit a convenience sample of 30 adults with VLUs from three hospital-based outpatient wound clinics in Melbourne, Australia. Physical activity and sleep levels will be measured using the wActiSleep-BT device (ActiGraph). VLU healing and recurrence data will be collected from the patients’ medical record. Patients’ self-reported outcomes will be collected using questionnaires.DiscussionFindings will provide insight into the relationship between physical activity and sleep with healing, recurrence, compression use, quality of life, pain, and self-reported physical activity levels. It will also determine the feasibility and acceptability of the wActiSleep-BT device in a VLU population.
Physical activity, sleep, and wound healing in adults with venous leg ulcers: a prospective observational cohort pilot study protocol
