Grieveson S.
Intermittent pneumatic compression pump settings for the optimum
reduction of oedema.
J Tissue Viability. 2003 Jul;13(3):98-100, 102, 104 passim.

Moving and Handling Department, Salford NHS Primary Care Trust,
Salford. Sue.Grieveson@salford-PCT.NHS.UK
This study investigated the reduction in lower limb oedema achieved
when different combinations of intermittent pneumatic
compression (IPC) pump settings were used. Twenty-seven
individuals aged between 22 and 96 years, with ankle oedema of

venous origin, were randomised to either a treatment or
control group. Treatment was delivered via a Flowpac pump
(Huntleigh Healthcare Ltd, Luton, UK) possessing variable controls.
The control group were 'treated' by elevating both lower limbs.
The average difference in limb volumes was compared, for each
combination of pump setting, to changes in limb volume in the
control group. These comparisons revealed that the highest mean
reduction in limb volumes was recorded for a pressure of 40
mmHg (p = 0.02), 10 second deflation time (p = 0.0002) and 15
second inflation time (p = 0.0096). Other significant results were
obtained by the 30 mmHg pressure (p = 0.017), 35 second
deflation time (p = 0.018), and 5 and 45 second inflation times (p
= 0.012, 0.013 respectively). For many setting combinations no
significant differences were observed between the limb oedema
seen in the control and experimental groups. The results should be
interpreted with caution because of the large number of tests
performed. In addition adverse effects were observed in six out of nine
subjects at 70 mmHg pressure and this pressure was discontinued.
One subject suffered cramp at 60 mmHg pressure. Lower
pressures together with shorter inflation and deflation times
appear to be more efficient than higher pressures and long
inflation/deflation times. In addition the lack of significant
reduction in oedema at pressures above 40 mmHg suggests that
the higher pressures cause a tourniquet effect.