Implementing a Wearable Sensor for Lymphedema Garments: A Prospective Study of Training Effectiveness.

UNLABELLED

Lymphedema garments apply therapeutic pressure to maintain minimum leg volume. Practitioners and patients apply these garments and seek to achieve appropriate compression pressure "by feel."

PURPOSE

A study was conducted to assess the feasibility of applying a sensor-feedback device to train staff to accurately apply garments.

METHODS

A convenience sample of wound care and rehabilitation staff volunteered for a prospective, randomized, unblinded, single-center pilot study. Participants were randomized to instruction+feedback (ie, receiving training on compression application and using the device to determine whether they achieved desired pressure) or instruction only groups (n = 6 each). Each volunteer applied hook-and-loop closures on the author's leg pre- and post-training with a target of 35 mm Hg, or |Ppre- 35|= |Ppost- 35|=0. (|P| is absolute value of P). The feedback group used a device to measure the applied compression; the device consists of a capacitive sensor of thin polyurethane foam between conductive fabric layers and a microcomputer/Bluetooth transmitter under a vacuum seal that fits into a fabric pocket of a lymphedema garment at the posterior ankle and pairs with a mobile device. A lymphology-certified therapist coordinated training. Data were collected with a pen/paper tool and analyzed with Student's t test.

RESULTS

The instruction+feedback group was closer to target after training (|Ppre - 35|= 10 ± 12 mm Hg; |Ppost - 35|=5 ± 4 mm Hg; P <.05; paired t test) than the instruction only group (|Ppre- 35|=19 ± 11 mm Hg; |Ppost - 35|=12 ±12 mm Hg; not significant).

CONCLUSION

This wearable mobile pressure sensor device assists practitioners in applying hook-and-loop lymphedema garments closer to target pressure. Larger studies with clinicians and research that involves patient application of compression are warranted.