Time: 2024-07-22
Around 20,000 Australians with diabetes - related foot ulcers could benefit from a new project trialling a supervised exercise program to speed up wound healing . Contrary to concerns that movement will delay or impair wound healing , there is emerging evidence that gentle physical activity does the opposite by increasing blood flow to the ulcer and promoting healing . University of South Australia nursing lecturer Dr Lisa Matricciani will lead a 13,532 Federal Government project to test this hypothesis in a 12 - week trial involving the Central Adelaide Local Health Network ( CALHN).
Diabetes is a serious health concern in Australia , affecting more than one million people , 30 % of whom will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime , Dr. Matricciani says . A combination of obesity and lack of exercise is expected to drive that number upwards in coming decades , contributing to a staggering 4.6 billion health bill in Australia . Unfortunately , the evidence we have gathered to date shows that people with diabetic foot wounds are alarmingly inactive , and this is not helping their recovery.
Dr. Matricciani says both clinicians and patients need more evidence to understand how effective exercise can be , addressing any concerns they may have that physical activity could impede wound healing . Blood glucose levels and wellbeing will also be tracked among the participants and compared with a control group who will not undertake any exercise . We are keen to see the effect of a supervised , appropriately prescribed exercise program on people with diabetes.
The project is among Medical Research Future Fund grants announced this month to tackle diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Contact for interview : Dr. Lisa Matricciani E : [email protected]
Media contact : Candy Gibson M : +61 434 605 142 E : [email protected]
Dr. Matricciani and her team are aiming to address the lack of activity among individuals with diabetic foot ulcers by introducing a supervised exercise program . Through the use of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and in - shoe sensors , they hope to track and assess the progress of wound healing over a 12 - week period . This approach will not only provide valuable data on the effectiveness of exercise but also help alleviate concerns regarding physical activity hindering the healing process.
The significance of this project lies in its potential to offer a groundbreaking solution to a pressing health issue in Australia . With the number of diabetes - related foot ulcers expected to rise in the coming years , innovative strategies like the supervised exercise program could play a vital role in improving the outcomes for individuals suffering from this condition . By focusing on increasing physical activity and monitoring key health indicators , the research team aims to revolutionize the treatment approach for diabetic foot ulcers.
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