Ina is a Podiatrist specialising in biomechanics as it relates to wound care and lymphoedema and she is a Society of Tissue Viability Trustee.

Ina’s career as a podiatrist has allowed her to work in several countries and, before returning to New Zealand in 2021, the previous 23 years have been spent working in the UK across biomechanics and wound care.

Ina has presented and published on the impact of mobility as it relates to wound care and lymphoedema. She feels strongly that this is a neglected area of care that can make a huge impact on in-patient care.

Presentation at The SoTV/EWMA 2024 Conference, London

Movement is everbody’s business

Learning objectives

After attending this session, persons will be able to:

• Understand the role of calf muscle in venous return
• Understand the impact of immobility
• Understand your role in supporting patient activities
• Recognise the link between mobility and wound healing
• Identify some simple tools / activities / exercises

Abstract

Movement is everyone’s business, but who is everyone? It could be you!

The positive physiological and psychological benefits of physical activity are widely known (UK Chief Medical Officers Physical Activity Guidelines, 2019).

Being mobile and active not only reduces the risk of medical problems but also reduces the risk of falls and skin damage/pressure ulcers.

As muscle power declines with age and immobility, it is important to maintain muscle function and strength to preserve or improve blood flow and venous return and the action of the calf muscle pump but it is often difficult to know where to start and what to do.

During this interactive session, we will provide an overview of impact of activity on wound healing and provide some evidence-based tips and tools to aid anyone with the practical implementation of exercise.