Sheffield Hallam University in collaboration with Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust have undertaken a non-invasive, ethically-approved study exploring the practicality and effectiveness of supervised exercise training in people who have venous leg ulcers. The study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (Research for Patient Benefit programme – PB-PG-0213-30029).

All participants were randomly allocated to one of the two study groups. In the first one, participants followed a supervised exercise training programme in addition to standard medical care, while in the second one, they received standard care only. Those allocated to the exercise programme were required to take part in 3 training sessions per week for 12 weeks at Sheffield Hallam University. The sessions involved a combination of endurance, muscle-strengthening and flexibility exercises. Both groups of participants undertook a baseline assessment, a 3 month follow-up and 12 month follow-up.

The FISCU team would like to thank the Sheffield Vascular Institute at the Northern General and Manor Clinic in Sheffield for supporting recruitment. We would also like to thank all the participants who took part, they have enabled us to collect valuable data in an area where very little research has been conducted.

Recruitment has now finished, however if you would like to know if you would have been eligible to take part please click here or if you would like more information about the study please use the contact details below:

Emma McIntosh (Research Assistant)     Tel: 0114 225 2262 or e.mcintosh@shu.ac.uk