Comparison of abdominal compression devices in persons with abdominal paralysis due to spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0176-x · Published: March 17, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can impair muscles responsible for respiration and cardiovascular (CV) functions. Cervical SCI impacts muscles controlling inhalation and exhalation, whereas thoracic and lumbar SCI affects abdominal muscles used for expiration. Abdominal binders mimic intrathoracic pressure, which is essential to CV and respiratory function. Despite the physiological beneﬁts of abdominal compression, many individuals with chronic SCI discontinue the use of an abdominal binder after discharge from hospital or rehabilitation settings. This study explores the physiologic beneﬁt of abdominal compression in spinal cord injured individuals who regularly use a device and their response, both physiological and subjective, to alternative garments.

Study Duration

3 weeks

Participants

5 participants with SCI at T6 or above (AIS A or B)

Evidence Level

Single subject design

Key Findings

1
The use of a personal binder results in signiﬁcant increases in SBP and FEV1.
2
Personal binders support FEV1 signiﬁcantly better than test garments.
3
Participants reported that neither tank nor bodysuit felt adequately supportive or easy to use.

Research Summary

Abdominal compression improves respiratory function and supports SBP in individuals with chronic SCI. The study found barriers to the adoption and use of certain styles of abdominal compression, noting that comfort and user-friendliness are crucial for adoption. The research highlights the need for an expansion of the abdominal compression garment market to offer physiologically supportive and easy-to-use options for individuals with abdominal paralysis.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Healthcare professionals should educate patients with SCI on the benefits of long-term abdominal compression.

Device Design

The abdominal compression garment market needs to expand to provide more physiologically supportive and user-friendly options.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to determine if transitioning patients to garment-style compression upon discharge improves long-term adherence.

Study Limitations

1
Objective measures were aggregated by garment type, not accounting for variations in binder construction.
2
The novelty of the test garments and brief data collection period may have influenced participant perceptions.
3
Small sample size.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury