Experimental study on efficacy of compression systems with a high static stiffness index for treatment of venous ulcer patients

Abstract

The experimental study measured interface pressure and static stiffness index of four different compression systems in fifty-two healthy volunteers. For the study interface pressure (3 cm ø probe was placed at the anatomical B1 point) was recorded on application of the compression systems every 15 min for 4 h, in supine, standing, while sitting and during walking. For this purpose a portable Kikuhime (Harada Corp., Osaka, Japan) device was used. Further static stiffness index (SSI) was calculated. The evaluated systems were: short stretch bandage system (SSB) Rosidal sys (Lohmann & Rauscher, Rengsdorf, Germany), multi-layer bandaging (LSB) Profore (Smith & Nephew, Hull, UK), varistretch bandage (VSB) Proguide (Smith & Nephew) and tubular compression (CS) Rosidal mobil (Lohmann & Rauscher). The mean interface pressure of SSB, LSB and VSB was significantly higher (P<0.05) in each position measured over 4 h, compared to CS. In supine VSB showed high-pressure levels, up to 60 mmHg, which remained high. The other systems had more tolerable levels of about 30 mmHg. Interface pressure exerted on limbs is an indicator of their clinical effect. The experimental study results showed different patterns of interface pressure and SSI, which may enable clinicians to predict the frequency of bandage application, supporting an adequate and safe choice of bandage system.

Keywords

• interface pressure, static stiffness index, compression for venous leg ulcers.