Purpose: We compared a Wound Ostomy and Continence (WOC) nurse directed, patient-centered intervention called MECALF - motivational enhancement (ME) and conditioning activity for leg function (CALF) with usual care – on pain, motivation, self efficacy, physical activity, and leg strength and range of motion. Design: Cluster-randomized feasibility. Subject and Setting: The sample was drawn from two wound centers. Twenty-one patients (n = 12 intervention site A) and (n = 9 control site B) with painful lower legs and critically colonized/infected (CCI) wounds participated in the study. Methods: All patients received usual wound care per center protocol. MECALF was delivered by WOC nurses for 6 weeks at site A and a handout of physical activities was provided to patients at site B. Feasibility was assessed with post-survey questionnaires. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using questionnaires, functional, and physical measures. Results: The study was found to be feasible by the WOC nurses and patients. Overall pain was statistically significantly reduced (P = 0.046) in both groups of patients. The control group experienced a slightly greater reduction in pain. No statistically significant differences between the groups were observed for motivation (P = 0.641) and self-efficacy (P = 0.643), or for physical outcomes including ankle strength (P = 0.609) and range of motion (P = 0.498). Functional and physical activity scores revealed no statistically significant differences in Timed Up and Go test (P = 0.624), Timed Chair Standing Test (P = 0.686, or the Community Health Activities Model for Seniors (P = 0.803). Conclusion: Pain in the lower legs of patients with CCI wounds improved after a 6-week behavioral/physical activity intervention. While feasible, no improvement in outcomes was observed with the addition of the WOC nurse ME intervention in this small feasibility study. A larger trial is needed.
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