RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Compression Garments in the Community With POTS

This study is for adults with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in Canada. It wants to find out if special compression garments, such as waist-high compression tights or abdominal wraps, really help manage common POTS symptoms like a fast heart rate when standing. While a special type of compression has shown promise in lab tests, researchers want to observe how commercially available garments work for people in their everyday routines, rather than in a clinic. The results will help doctors better understand how to use these garments to improve care for POTS patients. If you have POTS and regularly use compression garments, you might be able to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

17 May 2021

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

What is this study about?

For people living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, a fast heart rate and dizziness when standing up can be a real challenge. Doctors often suggest different ways to help, including drinking more fluids, increasing salt intake, doing certain exercises, and using compression garments. These special garments, like tights or abdominal wraps, are thought to help by gently squeezing the blood vessels in your legs and tummy. This pressure can encourage blood to flow back towards your heart and brain, which can help your heart not to beat too fast when you stand.

While we know that compression garments are widely used by POTS patients, and some early lab tests have shown they can help, we don’t yet fully understand how effective the everyday compression garments you buy in shops or get on prescription are when worn at home, or out and about. This study wants to bridge that gap. We're looking at how well waist-high compression garments work to keep your heart rate steadier and reduce your symptoms during your daily activities. There's also an optional part of the study focused on abdominal compression garments.

The information we gather from this study will be really important. It will help us understand if these commonly used garments are truly effective and practical for long-term use. The findings could quickly help doctors give better advice and care to people with POTS, improving their quality of life. By taking part, you could contribute to a better understanding of how to manage POTS.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand how everyday compression garments help POTS.
It focuses on waist-high and optional abdominal compression.
Participation involves 4 days in total, split into two sessions, using your own garments.
Open to adults in Canada, aged 18-60, with a POTS diagnosis.
Results could improve treatment advice for POTS patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 60 who have been officially diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) by a doctor. You must live in Canada to be part of this research. It’s also important that you already own and use waist-high compression garments, like special tights, that have a pressure rating (for example, 15-18 mmHg).

If you're interested in the optional part of the study, you'll also need to own an abdominal compression garment, such as shapewear or a waist trainer. You should be able to wear these garments comfortably for the study period. If you have other medical reasons for a fast heart rate or severe anxiety that might make it hard to take part, this study might not be right for you. Unfortunately, if you are pregnant, you won't be able to join either.

The study involves a total of 4 days spread out, with a break in between. You need to be able to commit to this schedule and follow the study instructions carefully.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 to 60 years old?
Do you have a doctor's diagnosis of POTS?
Do you live in Canada?
Do you own waist-high compression tights with a pressure rating (e.g., 15-18 mmHg)?
Are you able to take part in a 4-day study over a spread-out period?
Are you not pregnant and do not have severe anxiety or another medical reason for your fast heart rate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll take part over a total of 4 days, split into two separate 2-day periods. There will be a 5-day break, called a 'washout period,' between these two segments. During the study days, you'll be asked to wear your own commercially available or medically prescribed waist-high compression garments. If you choose to, you can also take part in an optional section focusing on abdominal compression garments. The study is designed to be completed in your own home and community setting. You won't need to visit a special clinic for these observations; instead, you'll be tracking how you feel and your heart rate in your usual daily life while using your compression garments. There are no new medications given as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about how everyday compression garments affect POTS symptoms, which might eventually lead to better care for you and others. The main benefit is contributing to medical knowledge. Since you'll be using your own garments that you already wear, there are generally no significant new risks beyond what you might already experience. However, some people might find wearing compression garments for longer periods uncomfortable, or they might not help their symptoms. You are free to stop participating at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It's a condition where your heart rate speeds up a lot when you stand up, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue.

What are compression garments?

These are special tight-fitting clothes, like stockings or abdominal wraps, that gently squeeze parts of your body. They're thought to help push blood back to your heart.

Will I get new compression garments for the study?

No, you'll need to use your own waist-high compression garments that you already own and wear. The study is specifically looking at garments people use in their daily lives.

How long will I have to take part?

The study involves a total of 4 days of participation, split into two 2-day periods, with a 5-day break in between.

Do I need to visit a clinic?

No, this study is designed for you to take part in your own community setting, meaning in your home and during your daily activities.

How to find out more

Kate M Bourne, BSc

autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca 403-210-7401 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.