title: Comparison of the interface pressure and stiffness of four types of compression systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare interface pressure (IP) and static stiffness index (SSI) of four different compression systems currently in use for the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-two ambulatory adults with healthy legs were recruited at random at a study centre after they had consented. The evaluated systems were: short-stretch system (SSB), Rosidal sys (Lohmann & Rauscher), multilayer bandaging (LSB) Profore (Smith & Nephew), Vari-stretch (VSB) ProGuide (Smith & Nephew) and tubular compression (CS) Rosidal Mobil (Lohmann & Rauscher). Interface pressure was measured using Kikuhime (Harada Corp.), placing a 3 cm-diameter probe at the B1 point. IP recording took place in the supine and standing positions, while sitting and during walking, on application of the compression systems and every 15 minutes thereafter for 4 hours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The IPs of SSB, LSB and VSB, measured immediately after bandage application, were significantly higher than that of CS (all p < 0.05). During the 4-hour study period, the IP for both VSB and LSB measured in the supine position initially increased to > 60 mmHg. Their overall mean IPs in the supine position were 48.96 ± 3.99 mmHg and 48.12 ± 4.57 mmHg, respectively. SSB and CS demonstrated more tolerable IP levels in this position of < 40 mmHg, which was similar to those when sitting. All systems maintained at least 40 mmHg in walking. SSB had a high SSI of 20 throughout the study. LSB followed with an SSI of 18 at the start, which reduced to 13, while the SSI for VSB decreased from 17 to 12 and CS, with an SSI of 6, lagged behind.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results may contribute to the understanding of IP and SSI of the four different compression systems evaluated. The IP and SSI data presented give clinicians an indication of the appropriate frequency of re-application of compression, and preliminary data on choosing a safe and effective compression treatment for their patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The investigators received an educational grant from Lohmann & Rauscher GmbH & Co KG for this study.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Hong Kong, HKSAR.
authors.forename: I K Y
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: M B L
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Man
authors.forename: O S H
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Siu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andriessen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D058128:Compression Bandages; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011187:Posture; D011312:Pressure; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D016138:Walking