Using compression garments to help manage POTS symptoms
Compression Garments in the Community With POTS
This study tests if wearing waist-high and abdominal compression garments can help adults with POTS feel better and manage their symptoms in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT04881318 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of commercially available waist-high and abdominal compression garments in adults diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in a community setting. Participants will wear these garments in their daily lives to assess improvements in heart rate and symptom reduction. The study builds on previous laboratory findings that indicated potential benefits of compression garments for POTS patients. An optional sub-study will also explore the effectiveness of abdominal compression garments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with POTS who reside in Canada and own waist-high compression garments.
Not a fit: Patients with overt causes for postural tachycardia or severe anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option that significantly improves the quality of life for POTS patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for compression garments in acute settings, but this approach in a community setting is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Physician diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) * Resident of Canada * Owns waist-high compression garment: medical grade or commercially available tights with a pressure rating provided (e.g. 15-18 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg) * Optional Sub-Study: owns an abdominal compression garment (e.g. abdominal shapewear, waist high shorts) * Able to participate in a 4-day study (2x2 day segments with a 5-day washout period) Exclusion Criteria: * Overt cause for postural tachycardia (i.e., acute dehydration, thyroid disease) that precludes POTS diagnosis * Not a resident of Canada * Participants with somatization or severe anxiety symptoms will be excluded * Pregnant (self-reported) * Inability to tolerate compression garments for the duration of the study * Does not own a waist-high compression garment * Other factors which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the participant from completing the protocol, including poor compliance during previous studies
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta
- University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Satish M Raj, MD MSCI — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Kate M Bourne, BSc
- Email: autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 403-210-7401
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.