Pressure and stiffness of a new air-inflated compression wrap

Abstract

Objective To report pressure and stiffness, in healthy volunteers, of a new compression device with an air bladder inflated by a pump to regulate pressure. Methods The device was applied to 60 legs of 30 volunteers and set to exert different pressures of 20–50 mmHg. The exerted pressure was measured in supine and standing positions and during simple physical exercises; static stiffness index, dynamic stiffness index, and walking pressure amplitudes were calculated. Results The exerted pressure showed a good correlation with the expected pressure at each pressure range. The stiffness indices were >10 mmHg in the range of inelastic materials. The device was considered very easy to apply and use by the testing researchers. Conclusions The device stiffness is in the same range as the inelastic bandages. Consequently, similar hemodynamic effectiveness could be expected but must be proved. Unlike inelastic bandages, this device was easy to apply and use.