OBJECTIVE:

This preliminary study combined compression bandaging with cycloidal vibration to determine whether this would enhance the rate of healing of venous leg ulceration.

METHOD:

Twenty-one patients with venous ulceration were enrolled into a 12-week trial. The vibration device was used three times daily for 30 minutes on each occasion, along with compression bandaging.

RESULTS:

Ulcers of 13 patients (62%) healed within 12 weeks. The remaining eight patients completed the 12-week study with a 31-90% reduction in ulcer size. A reduction in pain was observed in 17 out of 21 patients (81%). Ultrasound measurements showed reduced fluid content in the upper dermis in patients whose ulcers had healed and in others whose ulcers were improving.

CONCLUSION:

This preliminary study shows that gentle cycloid vibration, combined with standard compression bandaging, enhances the healing rate of venous ulcers and helps to relieve pain.