Louise Gustafsson1, Elizabeth Patterson2, Kathryn Marshall3, Sally Bennett4, Kylie Bower5. 1. Louise Gustafsson, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; l.gustafsson@uq.edu.au. 2. Elizabeth Patterson, MOccThySt, was Occupational Therapy Student, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, at the time of the study. 3. Kathryn Marshall is Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia. 4. Sally Bennett, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 5. Kylie Bower is Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We explored the efficacy of compression gloves in maintaining the benefits gained from compression bandaging of the stroke-affected upper limb. METHOD: Four participants completed a single-case (ABC) design study consisting of a baseline period (Phase A) and compression bandaging of the hand and upper limb (Phase B), followed by the application of a compression glove (Phase C). Edema was measured with circumferential tape at five specified points from the phalanx to the midforearm. All measurements were represented graphically for visual analysis, and celeration lines were calculated to indicate the degree of slope within each phase. RESULTS: Visual analysis indicated fluctuating edema volume during Phase A, decreasing edema volume during Phase B, and a mixed trend during Phase C. CONCLUSION: Compression gloves had mixed benefits in managing reductions in edema volume poststroke. Further research may consider the material, sizing, and style of glove in the development of a maintenance strategy.
OBJECTIVE: We explored the efficacy of compression gloves in maintaining the benefits gained from compression bandaging of the stroke-affected upper limb. METHOD: Four participants completed a single-case (ABC) design study consisting of a baseline period (Phase A) and compression bandaging of the hand and upper limb (Phase B), followed by the application of a compression glove (Phase C). Edema was measured with circumferential tape at five specified points from the phalanx to the midforearm. All measurements were represented graphically for visual analysis, and celeration lines were calculated to indicate the degree of slope within each phase. RESULTS: Visual analysis indicated fluctuating edema volume during Phase A, decreasing edema volume during Phase B, and a mixed trend during Phase C. CONCLUSION: Compression gloves had mixed benefits in managing reductions in edema volume poststroke. Further research may consider the material, sizing, and style of glove in the development of a maintenance strategy.