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Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
Advanced lightweight cooling-garment technology: functional improvements in thermosensitive patients with multiple
A Meyer-Heim1, M Rothmaier, M Weder
1Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Centre, CH-7317 Valens, Switzerland.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|April 19, 2007
Summary
Cooling garments may improve multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms like walking and strength. This study shows advanced cooling technology can benefit MS patients, normalizing heart rate variability and enhancing daily function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Thermosensitive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience symptom exacerbation due to heat.
- Effective cooling strategies are crucial for improving the quality of life and functional capacity in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an advanced, lightweight cooling-garment technology utilizing evaporative cooling.
- To assess the impact of peripheral cooling on clinical symptoms and physiological parameters in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- A single-blinded, balanced crossover study was conducted with 20 MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤6.5).
- A tight-cuff cooling-garment prototype was used for peripheral cooling, with outcomes measured via timed walking tests, leg strength, and fine-motor skills assessments.
- Preliminary heart rate variability (HRV) data were collected from six patients.
Main Results:
- The cooling garment demonstrated improvements in timed walking tests, leg strength, and fine-motor skills.
- Patients reported subjective benefits and improved functional capacity.
- Preliminary HRV data indicated normalization of abnormal HRV in MS patients after cooling, compared to a sham condition.
Conclusions:
- The advanced cooling-garment technology shows promise for alleviating clinical symptoms in thermosensitive MS patients.
- Further prototype development is recommended to enhance cooling efficacy and user practicality.
- Cooling interventions may positively impact autonomic function, as suggested by HRV changes.
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