Date of Award
8-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Bioengineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. John DesJardins
Committee Member
Dr. Jordan Gilmore
Committee Member
Dr. Jeremy Mercuri
Abstract
Peripheral edema affects approximately 20% of people in the US over the age of 50 and is frequently encountered among individuals with conditions such as heart disease, prolonged immobility, and venous insufficiency.1 Compression is an established therapeutic tool utilized for the management of several chronic edema presentations including lymphedema and venous leg ulcers.2,3 Therapeutic efficacy of compressive applications can be evaluated by defining interface pressure (IP) and IP distributions associated with specific textile combinations.2 During compressive applications where an open wound is present, primary wound dressings should be used in combination with compressive wraps. Primary wound dressings provide a barrier and maintain a moist environment that promotes healing while compressive textiles applied over the primary wound dressing exert pressure on the wound and surrounding tissues. This pressure helps improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing edema and promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the wounded area.4
This clinical study was conducted using 40 participants where each participant had three compressive textile combinations applied to their lower extremity. IP distribution data was collected for each textile combination immediately after application and following a brief exercise period. IP distributions resulting from the presence of primary wound dressings were evaluated in a separate benchtop study. Based on the results, the three compressive textile combinations evaluated in the clinical study and the three wound dressings evaluated in the benchtop study were shown to induce adequate amounts of pressure to improve circulation, promote wound healing, and reduce edema.
Recommended Citation
Cox, James, "The Effects of Compression Wrapping Techniques and Primary Wound Dressings on Leg Skin Interface Pressure" (2023). All Theses. 4107.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/4107