2025 Poster Abstracts P1–P18.

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) develop as a result of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), with the estimated prevalence of VLUs ranging from 1% for adults, 3.6% for individuals over the age of 65, and 5% for those over 80 years. VLUs have extended healing periods, with about 60% healing within 6 months and an additional 33% within one year. Up to 70% of adults with VLUs experience recurrence within three months of wound closure, making VLUs a long-term health issue. This chronic condition imposes a significant burden in terms of pain and negatively impacts quality of life, with approximately 3% of annual healthcare costs dedicated to its direct treatment. VLU management by clinicians employs a multifaceted strategy to support wound healing, symptom relief, venous return, and to lower recurrence chances. Key approaches include compression therapy, elevating the legs, ankle-focused exercises, and a diet high in protein. Physical activity and/or exercise has substantial functional, physical and psychological benefits for adults with VLUs, enhancing health-related quality of life, physical functioning and improved venous return and ulcer healing rates. Lower limb exercise is recommended in most international position statements on the care of adults with VLUs as an adjunctive treatment of VLUs and evidence extends to clinicians recommending simple progressive and aerobic activity. There are, however, many barriers for adults with VLUs to participate in PA, despite known clinical and functional benefits. Clinicians can play a key role in promoting behaviour change as are a source of motivation and encouragement for adults with VLU to be physically active on a regular basis. However, anecdotal evidence suggests PA and or exercise is not well understood by clinicians and not routinely discussed with adults with VLUs. This gap in knowledge may hinder the ability of clinicians to effectively advocate for PA, potentially limiting the overall health benefits that could be gained during this critical period.