Compliance of pressure garments in burn rehabilitation

Joanne M. Gallagher, Florida International University

Availability Unrestricted Thesis/Dissertation

Abstract

This study examined the pressure volumetric characteristics (compliance) of Jobst, Barton-Carey, and Tubigrip pressure garments for arms following repeated saturation with lubricating substances and repeated washing/drying cycles. The three treatment groups were each composed of one sleeve from each of the manufacturers. Each treatment group was subjected to 20 washing/drying cycles. In addition the sleeves in treatment groups 2 and 3 were saturated with cocoa butter and Lubiderm moisturizer respectively prior to each cycle. Circumferential measurements were taken on the proximal forearm of the sleeve at varying degrees of pressure (mmHg) using a Grafco Standard Sphygomanometer and a Gulick anthropometric tape measure. Measurements were taken initially and following every fifth washing/drying cycle. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant results for the main effects and some interactions at the ,01 level. Results showed that the Jobst garments stretched with moisturisers but overall were smaller than the Barton-Carey garments which showed no change with moisturizers. The Tubigrip garments stretched more than the other garments with moisturizers but showed an overall inconsistent pattern.