Single-Case-Design Study of Finger-to-Axilla Compression Bandaging for Edema of the Hemiplegic Upper Limb.

OBJECTIVE This single-case study investigated the effectiveness of compression bandaging from the finger to the axilla in reducing poststroke edema in the upper limb. METHOD Repeated circumferential measurements were recorded at five points along the participants' hand and forearm. Analysis of the data included the generation of graphs, celeration lines, and visual analysis. RESULTS Five participants with edema (mean 38 days poststroke) were recruited to the study. Fluctuations in edema were observed in all three study phases, with an increasing to decreasing trend in edema between the baseline and intervention phases. There was no clear trend from the intervention to second baseline phase. CONCLUSION Bandaging from the fingers to the axilla appears to be effective in reducing edema in the hand and forearm. However, return of edema after removal of the bandaging suggest that a greater understanding of underlying mechanisms and the appropriate intervention protocols is warranted.