Preliminary Investigation of a Smart Compression Therapy Prototype

Compression wraps treat venous leg ulcers when applied correctly. Often, clinicians apply the wraps at the wrong compression, or the wrap loosens, stopping clinical benefits. The study aims to show the feasibility of a smart compression prototype to maintain a set compression level in healthy volunteers. Each volunteer will wear the prototype device on one leg and a standard compression wrap on the other. Volunteers will pump their calves, walk, lie down, and stand at zero, one, and four hours. A pressure sensor placed over each calf will record the compression level during the activities. Volunteers will provide subjective feedback on each device concerning comfort and usability. After four hours, researchers will remove the standard wrap. Volunteers will use the prototype device during daily activities for three days. During the three days, the volunteers will complete a daily journal. The journal will capture the user experience and time the volunteer used the device. A final site visit allows researchers to conduct exit interviews and download the history of applied compression. Researchers will use the data to show that the prototype device maintains therapeutic compression and prove the usability of the device.