Evaluation of Compression Therapy: Comparison of Three Sub-bandage Pressure Measuring Devices

Abstract

Objective: To compare the consistency of the pressure measurements and the practical aspects of three manometers (Salzman MST; Oxford Talley and Diastron) measuring sub-bandage pressures. Methods: Five bandages (tubular elastic straight, tubular elastic graduated, short stretch non-elastic, long stretch elastic, cohesive elastic) were applied to standard models comprising foam-covered 9.5 cm, 12.5 cm diameter plastic tubes and a cone by a single expert bandager using a standard spiral technique with 50% overlap for the non-tubular bandages (NTB). The probes of all three machines were positioned at equidistant points around the circumference of each model at three levels corresponding to the ankle, gaiter and mid-calf measuring points of the MST probe. Two readings were taken for each of three separate applications of each bandage. Statistical analysis utilised ANOVA with Bartlett's test. Results. A total of 135 readings were made for each machine and 81 for each type of bandage. Mean pressures among the five bandages types ranged from 12.2 to 35.5 mmHg. A pressure gradient was apparent when NTB bandaging the straight tubes (means 24.7, 23.5, 22.4 mmHg) but not with the cone. There was a statistically significant difference between the three machines (Bartlett's test 23.6, p<0.0001), with the lowest variances for the MST and similar variances for the Oxford and Diastron. Conclusion. In terms of measurement variance this experiment indicates that the MST is the preferred machine for future experiments.

Multi-layer compression: comparison of four different four-layer bandage systems applied to the leg

“…To minimize the number of variables that could affect the accuracy of the measurements the bandages were applied to models described in a previous experiment 2 . These were a cylinder and a cone which were covered with a 0.7 cm thick layer of foam sponge padding (Hapla Foam-O-Felt -Cuxson Gerrard & Co. Limited, Warley, UK) and secured with an elasticated tubular bandage.…”

“…The bandage systems studied were the Profore ® Regular for ankle circumference 18-25 cm (Smith & Nephew), the Ultra Four (Robinson), the System 4 (SSL International) and the K-Four ® (Parema). The pressure monitoring device chosen was the Borgnis Medical Stocking Tester (MST) 2 . Measurements were taken at three pre-defined points as determined by the pressure sensor, corresponding to the ankle, gaiter and mid-calf areas (with intervals of 8 cms between the distal and middle points, and 11 cms between the middle and upper points).…”

Class‐3c compression bandaging for venous ulcers: comparison of spiral and figure‐of‐eight techniques

“…Three pressure monitors were tested for reliability and validity of measurements (Finnie 2000) and the most accurate was selected for the study (Ruckley et al. 2002).…”

“…Phase 2: pressure measurement Three pressure monitors were tested for reliability and validity of measurements (Finnie 2000) and the most accurate was selected for the study (Ruckley et al 2002). A Salzmann Medico MST Mark 3 was used to measure sub-bandage pressures, as this was the only machine that proved to be reliable.…”

Compression Therapy: Effects of Posture and Application Techniques on Initial Pressures Delivered by Bandages of Different Physical Properties

“…We have reported a comparative experiment evaluating three commercially available pressure monitoring devices. 2 This was followed by a comparative evaluation of multi-layer bandaging systems on models. 3 The present study was conducted on a human volunteer and assessed the pressures achieved using different bandages applied by alternative bandaging techniques, and how the pressures change with changes in posture.…”