Background Pressure ulcers (i.e. bedsores, pressure sores, pressure injuries, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue. They are common in the elderly and immobile, and costly in financial and human terms. Pressure-relieving support surfaces (i.e. beds, mattresses, seat cushions etc) are used to help prevent ulcer development. Objectives This systematic review seeks to establish: (1) the extent to which pressure-relieving support surfaces reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers compared with standard support surfaces, and, (2) their comparative effectiveness in ulcer prevention. Search methods In April 2015, for this fourth update we searched The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 15 April 2015) which includes the results of regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2015, Issue 3). Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials, published or unpublished, that assessed the effects of any support surface for prevention of pressure ulcers, in any patient group or setting which measured pressure ulcer incidence. Trials reporting only proxy outcomes (e.g. interface pressure) were excluded. Two review authors independently selected trials. Data collection and analysis Data were extracted by one review author and checked by another. Where appropriate, estimates from similar trials were pooled for meta-analysis.

Objective To evaluate effectiveness of an exercise programme in a community setting for patients with low back pain to encourage a return to normal activities.

Our meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of HRT noted a statistically significant reduction in nonvertebral fractures. However, this effect may be attenuated in older women.

References to ongoing studies Vandongen {published data only} * Vandongen YK, Stacey MC. Graduated compression elastic stockings reduce lipodermatosclerosis and ulcer recurrence.

Background Pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue due to pressure, shear or friction. They are common in the elderly and immobile and costly in financial and human terms. Pressurerelieving beds, mattresses and seat cushions are widely used as aids to prevention in both institutional and non-institutional settings. Objectives This systematic review seeks to answer the following questions: (1) to what extent do pressure-relieving cushions, beds, mattress overlays and mattress replacements reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers compared with standard support surfaces? (2) how effective are different pressure-relieving surfaces in preventing pressure ulcers, compared to one another? Search strategy For this second update the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register was searched (28/2/08), The Cochrane Central Register of

Background Pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue due to pressure, shear or friction. They are common in the elderly and immobile and costly in financial and human terms. Pressurerelieving beds, mattresses and seat cushions are widely used as aids to prevention in both institutional and non-institutional settings. Objectives This systematic review seeks to answer the following questions: (1) to what extent do pressure-relieving cushions, beds, mattress overlays and mattress replacements reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers compared with standard support surfaces? (2) how effective are different pressure-relieving surfaces in preventing pressure ulcers, compared to one another? Search strategy For this second update the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register was searched (28/2/08), The Cochrane Central Register of

Bell-Syer SEM and Klaber Moffett JA. Recruiting patients to randomized trials in primary care: principles and case study. Family Practice 2000; 17: 187-191. Background. There are many factors affecting recruitment to trials in primary care, and trials are often jeopardized due to the inability to enter sufficient patient numbers. It is generally agreed that the interest in and commitment of GPs to the project are important, and their forgetfulness and time pressures are major factors which mitigate against maximal recruitment.Objectives. The aim of this study is to focus on maximizing recruitment of patients to a randomized controlled trial of exercise classes for back pain patients.Methods. Two distinct methods of recruitment were used. One practice provided a computerized list of names and asked patients' permission, by letter, to be contacted by the researchers. The other 18 practices manually recorded referrals after the consultation by the GP.Results. Referral rates were slower than expected. Many patients either did not fit the inclusion criteria or excluded themselves due to domestic commitments or work. During 24 months, 1588 patients were referred. A total of 187 patients (12%) met the criteria and could be included in the study. The practice which referred patients through a computerized listing contributed 44% of the patients successfully included in the study. Conclusions.Recruitment rates depended on the method and rate of GP referrals, the proportion of referrals meeting the entry criteria and the proportion of patients available to attend the exercise classes.

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