Research Article  |   January 2016
Efficacy of Compression Gloves in Maintaining Edema Reductions After Application of Compression Bandaging to the Stroke-Affected Upper Limb
Louise Gustafsson; Elizabeth Patterson; Kathryn Marshall; Sally Bennett; Kylie Bower
Author Affiliations
  • 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
  • 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
  • Kathryn Marshall is Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
  • Sally Bennett, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  • Kylie Bower is Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Stroke / Wound Management / Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
Research Article   |   January 2016
Efficacy of Compression Gloves in Maintaining Edema Reductions After Application of Compression Bandaging to the Stroke-Affected Upper Limb
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 2016, Vol. 70, 7002290030p1-7002290030p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2016.017939
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 2016, Vol. 70, 7002290030p1-7002290030p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2016.017939
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.