The Effects of a 4-Layer Compression Bandaging System on Skin Perfusion Pressure in Healthy Adults.

OBJECTIVE: Current practice precludes compression in patients with wounds and reduced arterial flow; however, this treatment may reduce edema and vascular resistance, thus improving distal circulation. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of compression on skin perfusion pressure (SPP), edema, and ankle range of motion. DESIGN: This was a quasi-experimental time series. SETTING: The study was conducted at The Center for Skin Integrity in Cheektowaga, New York. PARTICIPANTS: The study participants were 20 healthy adults, 10 in a younger age bracket (22.10 [SD, 2.77] years, 23.14 [SD, 5.03] kg/m) and 10 in an older age bracket (55.90 [SD, 4.48] years, 28.84 [SD, 4.83] kg/m). INTERVENTIONS: Sixty minutes of Profore Multi-layer Compression was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Precompression and postcompression measurements: SPP, Ankle Brachial Index, calf circumference (15 cm proximal to lateral malleolus), and static and dynamic ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM) compared between young and older adults. MAIN RESULTS: There was a significant main effect for time for SPP (P = .049) and static (P = .02) and dynamic (P = .03) DF ROM. Skin perfusion pressure significantly increased at 40, 50, and 60 minutes of compression compared with precompression. Static and dynamic DF ROM significantly increased from precompression to postcompression. Although not statistically significant, calf circumference decreased by 6 cm in the older-adult group postcompression. CONCLUSION: A 4-layer compression dressing system improved SPP; this may be secondary to the decongestion of a proximal confined space. The 4-layer compression dressing also improves DF ROM postcompression and may reduce lower-extremity edema. Seeing these results in healthy participants suggests the need for future research in a patient population to determine if compression can be used to offload arterial structures and thus promote wound healing in patients.