Effects of Forearm Bandaging Technique, Muscle Contraction, and Additional Compression Pad Use on Sub-Bandage Pressure.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forearm bandaging techniques, muscle contraction, and additional compression pad use on sub-bandage pressure. Methods and Results: Thirty-one individuals (26 females, 5 males) with no chronic or lymphatic-related conditions participated in the study. Sub-bandage pressure was measured using the Kikuhime device, with a standardized protocol applied to the wrist extensor muscle belly. Participants were evaluated under rest and wrist extension conditions using two bandaging techniques: spiral and figure-of-eight. Variations included single and double layers, 1/2 and 1/3 overlaps, and the presence or absence of additional compression pads. Certified physiotherapists trained performed all bandaging applications using short-stretch compression materials. The figure-of-eight wrapping technique consistently produced significantly higher sub-bandage pressures compared to the spiral technique in all conditions. Double bandaging generated 1.4 times more pressure than single-layer applications, while 1/3 overlap resulted in greater pressure than 1/2 overlap. The addition of compression pads increased resting pressure by approximately 5 mmHg, and wrist extension further augmented pressure by 4-8 mmHg. The highest pressures were observed with the figure-of-eight technique, double bandaging, and 1/3 overlap combined (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of forearm bandaging technique, layering, and additional materials in determining sub-bandage pressure.