Title: Methodology of telemark skiing Aim of the study: The aim of this thesis is to create educational, methodological and motivational film, which will include design of metodology of telemark skiing. Methods: In developing this thesis, we used a combination of methods of critical analysis of documents and the author's own empirical experience with telemark skiing with the method of comparison of selected knowledge, methods and participating and uninvolved observation and cinematographic film processing method. The work is a synthesis of theoretical research and dynamic field work. Results: According to this thesis was created teaching methodology and motivational DVD that in addition to the metodology also out lines the historical aspects and current concepts of telemark skiing. The text of the thesis in theoretical part complements the DVD detailed information from the history and information about telemark equipment. Methodology of teaching in the text corresponds to the contents of the DVD. Keywords: telemark, methodology, turn, step, stance, free heel

Author: Bc. Lenka Pitnerová Title: The effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy for plantar fasciitis Objectives: The aim of this work is to assess the effect of high and low intensity laser therapy for plantar fasciitis compared with therapeutic ultrasound. Methods: The study included 50 patients with diagnose of heel spur syndrome. Patients were divided into three groups according to undergoing therapy. Group A (n = 20) received 10 applications of high intensity laser therapy, group B (n = 20) obtained 10 applications of low intensity laser therapy and group C (n=10) received 10 applications of therapeutic ultrasound. Intensity and character of the pain were assessed before and after therapeutic intervention using non- standardized questionnaire and numeric pain rating scale. For the assessment and description of the results were used standard statistical indicators and methods. Results: High intensity laser therapy had according to the obtained results positive effect on the clinical course of the disease and was markedly more effective than therapeutic ultrasound in treatment of plantar fasciitis. Almost all parameters reached the highest percentage improvement in the group treated with high intensity laser. The results are influenced by a smaller sample of patients and by inhomogeneity of...

Author: Bc. Kateřina Průchová Title: The effectiveness of shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis Objectives: The main goal of this work is to assess the effect of the radial and focused shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis compared with therapeutic ultrasound. Methods: The study included 55 patients with diagnose of heel spur syndrome. Patients were divided into three groups according to undergoing therapy. Group A (n = 20) received 6 applications of radial shock wave, group B (n = 20) obtained 3 applications of focused shock wave and group C received 8 applications of therapeutic ultrasound. Intensity and character of the pain were assessed before and after therapeutic intervention using non-standardized questionnaire. For the assessment and description of the results were used standard statistical indicators and methods. Results: Radial and focused shockwave therapy had according to the obtained results in the selected treatment protocol positive effect on the clinical course of the disease and was markedly more effective than therapeutic ultrasound. Almost all parameters reached the highest percentage improvement in the group treated with 6 applications of radial shock waves. There were no complications and side effects during the experiment. Keywords: heel spur, plantar fasciitis,...

O objetivo geral do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amamentação materna no alívio à dor dos recém-nascidos (RNs) a termo, durante todo o procedimento de coleta de sangue para a triagem neonatal ? (Teste do Pezinho), em comparação aos não amamentados. Trata-se de estudo analítico de caráter experimental, do tipo ensaio clínico randomizado, realizado no ambulatório de um hospital universitário de Ribeirão Preto - SP. A amostra constituiu-se de 60 RNs a termo submetidos 0 coleta de sangue para o teste do pezinho, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental, com 31 RNs mantidos no colo da mãe e amamentados desde 5 minutos antes do procedimento, até o final da recuperação, e grupo controle com 29 RNs não amamentados e mantidos no colo materno durante o procedimento. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição, e o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido foi firmado com os pais dos RNs, antes da coleta dos dados. As manifestações comportamentais como estado de consciência, mímica facial (NFCS adaptada - fronte saliente, olhos apertados, sulco naso-labial aprofundado), comportamento de auto-regulação dos RNs, comportamento materno e sucção, foram filmadas por meio de duas câmeras. As freqüências cardíacas foram obtidas com um monitor cardíaco, sendo registradas a cada minuto desde o período basal até o final da recuperação. Os resultados referentes aos parâmetros comportamentais dos grupos experimental e controle foram comparados nos períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha, compressão da lesão e na recuperação (5 minutos após). Os resultados referentes às freqüências cardíacas foram comparados desde o período basal até a recuperação. A Normalidade foi testada por meio do teste não paramétrico de Kolmogorov-Sirnov. Quando Normalmente distribuídos, para as variáveis quantitativas utilizou-se ANOVA com medidas repetidas, seguida do Teste post hoc de Bonferroni, possibilitando comparação inter e intra grupos. Quando a Normalidade não foi satisfeita, para a comparação entre os dois grupos, utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico para duas amostras independentes, denominado Mann-Whitney e, para a comparação no mesmo grupo (evolução no tempo), utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico para K?2 amostras dependentes, Friedman, seguido de comparações múltiplas. Para as variáveis qualitativas (ou categóricas) utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher. O Teste Mann Whitney mostrou diferença entre os grupos e o percentual de manifestações da mímica facial, ocorrendo em proporção significativamente maior no grupo controle quando comparado ao experimental, em todos os períodos analisados. Com relação às variações dos escores medianos relativizados da escala NFCS adaptada entre os períodos de antissepia/punção/ordenha, punção/ordenha, compressão e recuperação no mesmo grupo, houve diferença significativa em ambos os grupos (teste Friedman), com p<0,05 em todos os períodos. No grupo controle, o choro foi o estado de sono e vigília predominante desde o início da coleta até o final da recuperação, enquanto que no grupo experimental predominaram os estados de sono, exceto durante a punção do calcâneo. Houve maior número de manifestações de auto-regulação nos RNs do grupo controle, assim como mais manifestações maternas com intenção de confortar o bebê. No grupo experimental houve um decréscimo gradual da freqüência de sucções ao longo do procedimento. A ANOVA mostrou que tanto para as médias das freqüências cardíacas médias, como para as mínimas e máximas, a interação foi significativa, sendo os valores de p = 0,00 para as médias das freqüências cardíacas mínimas e máximas e 0,009 para as médias das freqüências cardíacas médias. Constatou-se que os grupos se comportaram de forma diferente ao longo do procedimento. Quanto às comparações referentes aos valores médios das freqüências cardíacas médias nos diferentes períodos no mesmo grupo, para o grupo experimental a ANOVA mostrou diferença significativa entre os valores do período basal e dos períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha e de compressão com p=0,021 e 0,032 respectivamente, entre os períodos de compressão e recuperação (p=0,05), e entre os períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha e recuperação (p=0,05); não houve diferença significativa entre os valores dos períodos basal e de recuperação e entre os períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha e de compressão (p=1). Concluiu-se que a amamentação materna foi eficaz na redução das respostas relacionadas à dor decorrente da coleta de sangue para o teste do pezinho, pois os resultados mostraram uma diminuição significativa das manifestações fisiológicas e comportamentais dos RNs do grupo experimental, em todas as fases do procedimento, quando comparadas àquelas do grupo controle. / The study had the goal to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on full-term newborns? (NBs) pain relief during blood collection for neonatal screening ? (PKU Test), in comparison with NBs who were not breastfed. It is an analytical and experimental randomized clinical trial that was carried out at the Outpatient Clinic of a University Hospital in Ribeirão Preto ? São Paulo. The sample consisted of 60 full-term NBs who were submitted to blood collection for the PKU test, and were randomly divided in two groups: an experimental group, with 31 NBs, who were placed on the mother?s lap and breastfed since 5 minutes before and during the entire procedure, and a control group with NBs who were not breastfed and were placed on the mother?s lap during the procedure. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institution and the newborns? parents signed the Free and Informed Consent Term before data collection started. The behavioral signs: states of consciousness, facial mimics (adapted NFCS ? brow bulge, eye squeeze, nasolabial furrow), NBs? emotion regulation behavior, mother?s behavior, and suction were filmed by two cameras. Heart frequencies were obtained by means of a heart monitor and registered every minute from the basal period until recovery was completed. The results regarding the behavioral parameters from both groups were compared in the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing, wound compression, and recovery (after 5 minutes). The heart frequency results were compared from the basal period until recovery. Normality was tested by means of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov non-parametric test. In cases of Normal distribution, ANOVA with repeated measures was used for quantitative variables, followed by Bonferroni?s post-hoc test, to allow for inter and intragroup comparison. When Normality was not satisfied, Mann-Whitney?s non-parametric test for two independent samples was used to compare both groups, while Friedman?s non-parametric test for K>2 dependent samples was used for comparison within the same group (evolution over time), followed by multiple comparisons. Chi-square and Fisher?s exact test were used for qualitative (or categorical) variables.The Mann Whitney test showed a difference between the groups and that the percentage of facial mimics sings was significantly greater for the control group in comparison to the experimental group, in all analyzed periods. As to the variation of mean scores from the adapted NFCS Scale between the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing, puncture/squeezing, compression, and recovery in the same group, there was a statistically significant difference in both groups (Friedman test) with p<0.05 in all periods. In the control group, cry was the prevailing sleep-wake state from blood collection to complete recovery, whereas in the experimental group the prevailing state was sleep, except during heel puncture. Newborns from the control group showed more signs of emotion regulation, as well as more mothers showed expressions with the intention of comforting the baby. In the experimental group, there was a gradual decrease in suction frequency throughout the procedure. ANOVA showed that interaction was significant for the means of average, minimum, and maximum heart frequencies, with p = 0.00 for the means of minimum and maximum heart frequencies, and 0.009 for the means of average heart frequencies. It was observed that the groups behaved differently throughout the procedure. ANOVA revealed the following results for the comparisons of the mean values of average heart frequencies during the different periods for the same group: a significant difference was found between the values of the basal period and periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing and compression with p=0.021 and 0.032 respectively, between the periods of compression and recovery (p=0.05), and between the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing and recovery (p=0.05); there was no significant difference between the values of the basal period and recovery, and between the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing and compression (p=1). It was concluded that breastfeeding was efficient in reducing pain-related stress responses due to blood collection for the PKU Test, since the results showed a significant decrease in physiological and behavioral signs of the NBs? from the experimental group, across all phases of the procedure, in comparison to the control group.

Este trabalho apresenta um método computacional que permite corrigir, nas imagens mamográficas, as variações das densidade causadas pelo efeito \"heel\". Essas variações prejudicam tanto a visualização quanto o processamento computacional de pequenas estruturas. O método leva em conta a intensidade da radiação em cada ponto da imagem, considerando o caminho que os fótons percorrem dentro do alvo e corrige todos os pontos da imagem radiográfica em função do excesso ou da falta de radiação a que eles foram submetidos. Os métodos tradicionais para correção de iluminação não uniforme utilizados em processamento de imagem, como por exemplo limiarização e ajuste de fundo, também foram implementados e testados em imagens mamográficas a fim de validar o algoritmo proposto. Tanto o algoritmo quanto os métodos tradicionais para correção de iluminação não uniforme foram implementados utilizando o ambiente de programação DELPHI. Os programas foram desenvolvidos para plataforma WINDOWS, o que possibilitou o desenvolvimento de uma interface amigável com o usuário. / This work presents a computational method that allows corrections to be made in the variations of density in mamographic images caused by the heel effect. These variations impair both visual detection and computational processing of small anatomical structures. This method takes into account the intensity of radiation at each point of the image, considering the path that photons travel inside the target and correcting all the points of a radiographic image which have been impaired either by excess or lack of radiation to which they were subjected. The traditional methods to correct nonunifonn illumination using image processing, for example threshold and background fitting, were also implemented and tested in mammographic images to validate the proposed algorithm. Both the algorithm and the traditional methods to correct nonuniform illumination were implemented using Delphi Programming Environment. The programs were developed for Windows platform, which allowed the development of a friendly interface with the user.

O objetivo geral do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amamentação materna no alívio à dor dos recém-nascidos (RNs) a termo, durante todo o procedimento de coleta de sangue para a triagem neonatal ? (Teste do Pezinho), em comparação aos não amamentados. Trata-se de estudo analítico de caráter experimental, do tipo ensaio clínico randomizado, realizado no ambulatório de um hospital universitário de Ribeirão Preto - SP. A amostra constituiu-se de 60 RNs a termo submetidos 0 coleta de sangue para o teste do pezinho, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental, com 31 RNs mantidos no colo da mãe e amamentados desde 5 minutos antes do procedimento, até o final da recuperação, e grupo controle com 29 RNs não amamentados e mantidos no colo materno durante o procedimento. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição, e o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido foi firmado com os pais dos RNs, antes da coleta dos dados. As manifestações comportamentais como estado de consciência, mímica facial (NFCS adaptada - fronte saliente, olhos apertados, sulco naso-labial aprofundado), comportamento de auto-regulação dos RNs, comportamento materno e sucção, foram filmadas por meio de duas câmeras. As freqüências cardíacas foram obtidas com um monitor cardíaco, sendo registradas a cada minuto desde o período basal até o final da recuperação. Os resultados referentes aos parâmetros comportamentais dos grupos experimental e controle foram comparados nos períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha, compressão da lesão e na recuperação (5 minutos após). Os resultados referentes às freqüências cardíacas foram comparados desde o período basal até a recuperação. A Normalidade foi testada por meio do teste não paramétrico de Kolmogorov-Sirnov. Quando Normalmente distribuídos, para as variáveis quantitativas utilizou-se ANOVA com medidas repetidas, seguida do Teste post hoc de Bonferroni, possibilitando comparação inter e intra grupos. Quando a Normalidade não foi satisfeita, para a comparação entre os dois grupos, utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico para duas amostras independentes, denominado Mann-Whitney e, para a comparação no mesmo grupo (evolução no tempo), utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico para K?2 amostras dependentes, Friedman, seguido de comparações múltiplas. Para as variáveis qualitativas (ou categóricas) utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher. O Teste Mann Whitney mostrou diferença entre os grupos e o percentual de manifestações da mímica facial, ocorrendo em proporção significativamente maior no grupo controle quando comparado ao experimental, em todos os períodos analisados. Com relação às variações dos escores medianos relativizados da escala NFCS adaptada entre os períodos de antissepia/punção/ordenha, punção/ordenha, compressão e recuperação no mesmo grupo, houve diferença significativa em ambos os grupos (teste Friedman), com p<0,05 em todos os períodos. No grupo controle, o choro foi o estado de sono e vigília predominante desde o início da coleta até o final da recuperação, enquanto que no grupo experimental predominaram os estados de sono, exceto durante a punção do calcâneo. Houve maior número de manifestações de auto-regulação nos RNs do grupo controle, assim como mais manifestações maternas com intenção de confortar o bebê. No grupo experimental houve um decréscimo gradual da freqüência de sucções ao longo do procedimento. A ANOVA mostrou que tanto para as médias das freqüências cardíacas médias, como para as mínimas e máximas, a interação foi significativa, sendo os valores de p = 0,00 para as médias das freqüências cardíacas mínimas e máximas e 0,009 para as médias das freqüências cardíacas médias. Constatou-se que os grupos se comportaram de forma diferente ao longo do procedimento. Quanto às comparações referentes aos valores médios das freqüências cardíacas médias nos diferentes períodos no mesmo grupo, para o grupo experimental a ANOVA mostrou diferença significativa entre os valores do período basal e dos períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha e de compressão com p=0,021 e 0,032 respectivamente, entre os períodos de compressão e recuperação (p=0,05), e entre os períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha e recuperação (p=0,05); não houve diferença significativa entre os valores dos períodos basal e de recuperação e entre os períodos de antissepsia/punção/ordenha e de compressão (p=1). Concluiu-se que a amamentação materna foi eficaz na redução das respostas relacionadas à dor decorrente da coleta de sangue para o teste do pezinho, pois os resultados mostraram uma diminuição significativa das manifestações fisiológicas e comportamentais dos RNs do grupo experimental, em todas as fases do procedimento, quando comparadas àquelas do grupo controle. / The study had the goal to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on full-term newborns? (NBs) pain relief during blood collection for neonatal screening ? (PKU Test), in comparison with NBs who were not breastfed. It is an analytical and experimental randomized clinical trial that was carried out at the Outpatient Clinic of a University Hospital in Ribeirão Preto ? São Paulo. The sample consisted of 60 full-term NBs who were submitted to blood collection for the PKU test, and were randomly divided in two groups: an experimental group, with 31 NBs, who were placed on the mother?s lap and breastfed since 5 minutes before and during the entire procedure, and a control group with NBs who were not breastfed and were placed on the mother?s lap during the procedure. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institution and the newborns? parents signed the Free and Informed Consent Term before data collection started. The behavioral signs: states of consciousness, facial mimics (adapted NFCS ? brow bulge, eye squeeze, nasolabial furrow), NBs? emotion regulation behavior, mother?s behavior, and suction were filmed by two cameras. Heart frequencies were obtained by means of a heart monitor and registered every minute from the basal period until recovery was completed. The results regarding the behavioral parameters from both groups were compared in the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing, wound compression, and recovery (after 5 minutes). The heart frequency results were compared from the basal period until recovery. Normality was tested by means of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov non-parametric test. In cases of Normal distribution, ANOVA with repeated measures was used for quantitative variables, followed by Bonferroni?s post-hoc test, to allow for inter and intragroup comparison. When Normality was not satisfied, Mann-Whitney?s non-parametric test for two independent samples was used to compare both groups, while Friedman?s non-parametric test for K>2 dependent samples was used for comparison within the same group (evolution over time), followed by multiple comparisons. Chi-square and Fisher?s exact test were used for qualitative (or categorical) variables.The Mann Whitney test showed a difference between the groups and that the percentage of facial mimics sings was significantly greater for the control group in comparison to the experimental group, in all analyzed periods. As to the variation of mean scores from the adapted NFCS Scale between the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing, puncture/squeezing, compression, and recovery in the same group, there was a statistically significant difference in both groups (Friedman test) with p<0.05 in all periods. In the control group, cry was the prevailing sleep-wake state from blood collection to complete recovery, whereas in the experimental group the prevailing state was sleep, except during heel puncture. Newborns from the control group showed more signs of emotion regulation, as well as more mothers showed expressions with the intention of comforting the baby. In the experimental group, there was a gradual decrease in suction frequency throughout the procedure. ANOVA showed that interaction was significant for the means of average, minimum, and maximum heart frequencies, with p = 0.00 for the means of minimum and maximum heart frequencies, and 0.009 for the means of average heart frequencies. It was observed that the groups behaved differently throughout the procedure. ANOVA revealed the following results for the comparisons of the mean values of average heart frequencies during the different periods for the same group: a significant difference was found between the values of the basal period and periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing and compression with p=0.021 and 0.032 respectively, between the periods of compression and recovery (p=0.05), and between the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing and recovery (p=0.05); there was no significant difference between the values of the basal period and recovery, and between the periods of antisepsis/puncture/squeezing and compression (p=1). It was concluded that breastfeeding was efficient in reducing pain-related stress responses due to blood collection for the PKU Test, since the results showed a significant decrease in physiological and behavioral signs of the NBs? from the experimental group, across all phases of the procedure, in comparison to the control group.

Este trabalho apresenta um método computacional que permite corrigir, nas imagens mamográficas, as variações das densidade causadas pelo efeito \"heel\". Essas variações prejudicam tanto a visualização quanto o processamento computacional de pequenas estruturas. O método leva em conta a intensidade da radiação em cada ponto da imagem, considerando o caminho que os fótons percorrem dentro do alvo e corrige todos os pontos da imagem radiográfica em função do excesso ou da falta de radiação a que eles foram submetidos. Os métodos tradicionais para correção de iluminação não uniforme utilizados em processamento de imagem, como por exemplo limiarização e ajuste de fundo, também foram implementados e testados em imagens mamográficas a fim de validar o algoritmo proposto. Tanto o algoritmo quanto os métodos tradicionais para correção de iluminação não uniforme foram implementados utilizando o ambiente de programação DELPHI. Os programas foram desenvolvidos para plataforma WINDOWS, o que possibilitou o desenvolvimento de uma interface amigável com o usuário. / This work presents a computational method that allows corrections to be made in the variations of density in mamographic images caused by the heel effect. These variations impair both visual detection and computational processing of small anatomical structures. This method takes into account the intensity of radiation at each point of the image, considering the path that photons travel inside the target and correcting all the points of a radiographic image which have been impaired either by excess or lack of radiation to which they were subjected. The traditional methods to correct nonunifonn illumination using image processing, for example threshold and background fitting, were also implemented and tested in mammographic images to validate the proposed algorithm. Both the algorithm and the traditional methods to correct nonuniform illumination were implemented using Delphi Programming Environment. The programs were developed for Windows platform, which allowed the development of a friendly interface with the user.

No description available.

Osteoporosis is a major health problem. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reports national rates of osteoporosis at 13-18% of women and 3-6% of men over age 50, but current evidence suggests that osteoporosis rates in Alaska are more equal between sexes. Known risk factors for osteoporosis that are very common among Alaskans include arthritis and low vitamin D and calcium levels. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the hip and lumbar spine as the gold standard of screening for osteoporosis; however, DXA scans are expensive, not portable, and not practical for screening small populations. Calcaneal heel ultrasound (CHU) scans are a USPSTF-recognized alternative to the DXA scan and can reach these small populations. Guided by the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, this project sought to evaluate the effectiveness of offering CHU scans at health fairs in Alaska. The de-identified data from the CHU dataset (N = 494) were analyzed to determine any differences in bone health based on sex and age. Alaskans over 50 years of age were significantly more likely to have osteopenia or osteoporosis (X2 = 28.2, df =4) than those < 50 years old. No significant difference in bone health as determined by T-scores was noted between men and women, suggesting that Alaskan men should also be screened. Educational materials on bone health were readily available at the health fairs for anyone interested. Health fair attendees are routinely asked for feedback and their responses related to the CHU scan were summarized and were unanimously positive. This project contributes to positive social change by increasing awareness of osteoporosis in Alaskans.

Yes / Heel pressure ulcers can cause pain, reduce mobility, lead to longer hospital stays and in severe cases can lead to sepsis, amputation, and death. Offloading boots are marketed as heel pressure ulcer prevention devices, working by removing pressure to the heel, yet there is little good quality evidence about their clinical effectiveness. Given that evidence is not guiding use of these devices, this study aims to explore, how, when, and why these devices are used in hospital settings. To explore how offloading devices are used to prevent heel pressure ulcers, for whom and in what circumstances. A realist evaluation was undertaken to explore the contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes that might influence how offloading devices are implemented and used in clinical practice for the prevention of heel pressure ulcers in hospitals. Eight Tissue Viability Nurse Specialists from across the UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) were interviewed. Questions sought to elicit whether, and in what ways, initial theories about the use of heel pressure ulcers fitted with interviewee's experiences. Thirteen initial theories were refined into three programme theories about how offloading devices are used by nurses 'proactively' to prevent heel pressure ulcers, 'reactively' to treat and minimise deterioration of early-stage pressure ulcers, and patient factors that influence how these devices are used. Offloading devices were used in clinical practice by all the interviewees. It was viewed that they were not suitable to be used by every patient, at every point in their inpatient journey, nor was it financially viable. However, the interviewees thought that identifying suitable 'at risk' patient groups that can maintain use of the devices could lead to proactive and cost-effective use of the devices. This understanding of the contexts and mechanisms that influence the effective use of offloading devices has implications for clinical practice and design of clinical trials of offloading devices. How, for whom, and in what circumstances do offloading devices work to prevent heel pressure ulcers? Tissue viability nurses' perspectives. / CG conducted this review as part of her PhD at the University of Leeds which was funded by a Charitable Grant from https://leedscares.org/LeedsHospitalsCharity (https://www.leedshospitalscharity. org.uk/) and Smith and Nephew Foundation.