title: A high-resolution tape sensor improves the accuracy of applied pressure profiles during lower-leg bandaging - results from a study using a fibre-optic sensing tape.
abstract: Compression bandaging is a mainstay practice in the treatment of conditions such as chronic wounds and lymphoedema. However, the ability of practitioners to measure bandage application to a desired pressure profile is difficult because of sensor limitations. We have used a novel fibre-optic-based, high-resolution sub-bandage pressure monitor to measure adherence to a target pressure gradient during compression bandaging. Participants of various experience (n = 46) were asked to bandage a lower-leg manikin to a gradient of 40 (ankle) to 20 mmHg (proximal calf) in both a blinded trial and subsequently with sensor feedback. Mean pressures across all sensors for both the blind and sensor-guided trials approximated a target mean of 30 mmHg. However, the mean gradient achieved in the blinded trial showed an inverse pressure gradient to the target with a high-pressure region at the mid-calf (44 ± 19 mmHg). Correlation to the target gradient improved from R2= 0·62 during the blind trial to 0·93 using sensor feedback, with a gradient that closely approximated the target. This demonstrates the use of high-resolution sub-bandage pressure sensing in improving the ability of practitioners to achieve a target pressure gradient in compression bandaging for clinical use and training.
authors.affiliation: Medical Device Research Institute, Flinders University, Tonsley, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Luke A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Parkinson
authors.affiliation: Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit, Department of Surgery, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Malou
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Zanten
authors.affiliation: Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit, Department of Surgery, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Piller
authors.affiliation: Medical Device Research Institute, Flinders University, Tonsley, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Arkwright
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058128:Compression Bandages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Bio-interface pressure; Compression bandaging; Fibre-optic sensors; Lymphoedema