Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance
Phase: NA
Conditions: Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Sponsor: University of Calgary

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
1 
 
Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: 
Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance 
 
1.0 BACKGROUND – POSTURAL TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME 
1.1 Postural Tachycardia Syndrome 
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a chronic form of orthostatic intolerance 
marked by a significant and sustained increase in heart rate (HR) upon positional change from 
supine to standing (30 beats/min [bpm])1 in the absence of orthostatic hypotension (20/10 
mmHg decrease)2.   Symptoms must be present for 6 months3 and other causes of orthostatic 
tachycardia must be ruled out1.  Individuals with POTS report orthostatic symptoms including 
palpitations, light-headedness, dizziness, chest pain, and mental clouding, which improve on 
recumbence2.  80-85% of individuals diagnosed with POTS are women age 13-503.  Current 
treatment of POTS involves pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention including 
salt and fluid loading, exercise, and physical countermanuevers4.   
 
1.2 Physiology 
Upon standing, approximately 500 mL of blood immediately redistributes from the 
thorax down to the abdomen, buttocks and legs2.  Blood return to the heart is decreased5 and 
therefore stroke volume and arterial pressure decreases2.  This leads to sympathetic activation as 
the baroreceptors sense less pressure2.  In a healthy individual, HR initially increases 10-20 bpm, 
and the systolic blood pressure (BP) decreases by approximately 5 mmHg2.  However, in an 
individual with POTS, this compensatory mechanism is impaired and HR will increase by 30 
bpm and remain at this elevated rate for the duration of standing2. In some individuals with 
POTS, upon standing cerebral blood flow velocity decreases5.  In other individuals, oscillation of 
cerebral blood flow due to failure of cerebral autoregulatory mechanisms is observed6. 
 
2.0 COMPRESSION GARMENTS 
2.1 Compression Garment Mode of Action  
Lower extremity compression garments provide pressure to the blood vessels in the legs, 
thighs and abdomen which can minimize blood pooling and lead to improved blood return to the 
heart4.  
 
2.2 Use of Compression Garments in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome 
A study of compartmental fluid shifts on head up tilt found that in POTS patients, 
splanchnic blood volume increased on tilt7.  In 2 subsets of POTS patients, this increase in blood 
volume was significant when compared to the healthy control group7.  As well, blood volume in 
the pelvis and leg also increased upon head up tilt7. Interesting, in one subset of POTS patients, 
blood flow to the splanchnic region also increased significantly on 70o head up tilt7. GL Heyer 
evaluated the use of compression in children and teens with POTS4.  They completed 3 head-up 
tilt table tests (HUTT), the first without compression, the second using the Zoex non-inflatable 
antishock garment (20-40 mmHg to the abdomen) and the third without compression4.  The Zoex 
non-inflatable antishock garment has 6 flexible straps that fasten tightly around the legs, thigh, 
waist, and abdomen as well as a thin bladder on the attached to the abdominal straps.  This 
bladder compresses the abdominal wall and the garment provides overall compression of 20-40 
mmHg4.  It was shown that the compression garment reduced orthostatic tachycardia and 

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
2 
 
orthostatic symptoms on tilt, and that both the tachycardia and symptoms returned on the third 
tilt test, when no compression was applied4.  Despite the evidence of blood pooling in the 
abdomen, pelvis and leg,7 and these promising findings with a non-commercial compression 
garment, there is relatively little other research indicating the benefits of abdominal and lower 
extremity compression garments in POTS. There are no data on the use of these compression 
garments in adult POTS patients with upright stress. Further, it is not known where compression 
is most effective in an individual with POTS (e.g. abdomen, thigh, lower leg, combination of 
these).   
 
2.3 LifeWrap Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG)  
The LifeWrap Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG)8 is used as a treatment for 
postpartum hemorrhage in developing countries, and is comprised of neoprene fabric with a 
compression ball and Velcro closures that can be adjusted for use8.  This garment consists of 3 
leg segments and 2 pelvic/abdominal segments, and applies pressure to the external body surface 
in order to maintain adequate blood flow to the heart, lungs and brain, countering the effects of 
hypovolemic shock8.   This garment is a Health Canada class I medical device. 
 
2.4 Significance  
There are no approved medications for use in POTS and patients are usually managed 
with a combination of off-label medications and non-pharmacological treatments3.  Compression 
garments are often prescribed as one of these non-pharmacological management strategies3.  
However, there is no data to validate their efficacy, and also no data to determine which type of 
compression is most beneficial (e.g. lower leg only, abdomen only, combination) in adults.  We 
will endeavour to complete a 4-way randomized crossover study of head up tilt tests (HUTTs) 
with compression applied by the LifeWrap NSAG in at attempt to demonstrate decreased 
orthostatic tachycardia and increased orthostatic tolerance in individuals with POTS.  If 
successful, this study could provide needed evidence that compression in POTS is a successful 
non-pharmacological treatment modality, and as well, what type of compression is the most 
beneficial to patients with this syndrome.  These findings could rapidly translate to the clinical 
setting and improve patient care. 
 
3.0 HYPOTHESIS 
3.1 Hypothesis 
Full abdominal and lower extremity compression will reduce orthostatic tachycardia 
(lower HR increase on standing) and orthostatic symptoms in patients with POTS.   
 
4.0 INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA: 
 
Inclusion Criteria: 
 Physician diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) 
 Age 18-60 years 
 Male and Female 
 Able and willing to provide informed consent 
 Ability to travel to Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta Autonomic Testing Lab at 
the University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. 
 

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
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Exclusion Criteria: 
 Overt cause for postural tachycardia, i.e., acute dehydration 
 Participants with somatization or severe anxiety symptoms will be excluded 
 Pregnant 
 Inability to tolerate compression garment for the duration of the study  
 Other factors which in the investigator’s opinion would prevent the participant from 
completing the protocol, including poor compliance during previous studies 
 
5.0 ENROLLMENT, RANDOMIZATION and BLINDING 
5.1 Recruitment 
 
Patients will be recruited from the Calgary Autonomic Investigation and Management 
Clinic, and the practices of Drs. Satish R. Raj, Carlos A Morillo, and Robert S. Sheldon, 
including past research study participants.  We will also recruit participants who contact us 
directly about their interest in our studies.  
 
5.2 Randomization:  
 
Each study participant will complete 4 HUTT on a single day: 
i. 
one wearing the LifeWrap NASG Garment with all segments fastened;  
ii. 
one wearing the LifeWrap NASG Garment with the lower leg components fastened;  
iii. 
one wearing the LifeWrap NASG with the abdominal and pelvic components fastened; 
and  
iv. 
one without the garment entirely.   
 
The order of the interventions will be randomized to account for diurnal variation of HR 
and BP observed in POTS9, and any possible training effect with repeated HUTT. 
Randomization will be performed using a pre-prepared randomization table. 
 
5.3 Blinding  
 
None. It will not be possible to blind the subject to the compression intervention. 
 
6.0 STUDY PROCEDURE  
6.1 Holding Pre-Existing Medications  
Since this will be a crossover study and each subject will acts as their own control, we will not 
need to preclude the use of medications for this protocol. This will also make the study more 
clinically relevant and generalizable, as compression would most likely be recommended to 
patients in addition to medications.  We will make note of the medications being used by each 
participant at the time of the study. 
 
6.2 Study Design 
6.2.1 General 
This study will utilize a single-day, 4-way randomized crossover design, with 
assessments of HUTT with: 
i. 
no compression;  
ii. 
lower leg compression only;  
iii. 
abdomen/pelvic compression only; and  
iv. 
both abdomen/pelvic and lower leg compression.   

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
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The study will be conducted on a tilt table in a human physiology research and procedure 
room.  Each intervention phase in the protocol will involve a baseline assessment period of 10 
minutes followed by a 10 min HUTT (80 degrees). There will be a 20 min recovery periods 
between each HUTT.  The study will take approximately 4 hours.   
 
6.2.2. Interventions 
The Lifewrap NSAG Compression Garment has been developed to treat postpartum 
hypovolemic shock and provides external compression to the abdomen, pelvis and lower 
extremities8.  A pressure sensor will be used to ensure standardized compression application 
throughout the study. 
 
6.2.3 Instrumentation 
 The patient will be instrumented in a fasting state on an empty bladder. Patients will be 
allowed to drink water on the morning of study. 
 The entire study will take place with the subject on the tilt table (supine or tilted) 
 The skin electrodes will be applied for continuous ECG and HR monitoring. 
 BP will be monitored continuously using a finger volume clamp method (Nexfin, 
BMEYE Inc.) and calibrated with intermittent brachial cuff measurements (Vital-Guard 
450C Patient Care Monitor, IVY Medical).   
 From the continuous BP waveform, we can get an estimate of stroke volume, cardiac 
output, and systemic vascular resistance (Modelflow). 
 Middle cerebral blood flow velocity will be assessed using Spencer Technologies ST3 
Digital Transcranial Doppler System Model PMD150 (TCD). 
 Oxygen saturation will be assessed from a finger probe. 
 End-tidal CO2 will be measured using nasal prongs. 
 
6.2.4 Study Day 
 The participant will be asked about co-morbid disorders, and current pharmacological 
and non-pharmacological treatments of POTS 
 The participant will be instrumented in a fasting state (aside from water as needed). 
 The compression garment will be worn, but not initially strapped tight. The compression 
garment will be tightened around segments as determined by the order of randomization  
 Participant will be strapped onto the tilt table (for their safety) 
 Supine for 20 minutes prior to baseline data collection 
 For each intervention: 
o Physiological signals will be digitally sampled throughout the study 
o 10 minute baseline data collection (supine) 
o Table will be tilted up to 80 degrees (head up) for 10 minutes 
1. Tilt will be terminated early if the patient has syncope or if the patient 
requests that the table be returned to the supine position. If the tilt is 
terminated early, the duration of the tilt will be recorded. 
2. Symptoms will be assessed using the brief Vanderbilt Orthostatic Symptom 
Score before the end of tilt. 
o Table will be returned to the supine position 

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
5 
 
 The next compression garment intervention will be applied, removed or fastening 
modified depending on randomization scheme  
 After completion of the 4th intervention, the study is over 
o The compression garment will be removed. 
o Study participant will be de-instrumented 
 
6.3 Study Outcome Measures 
 The primary outcome measure will be the magnitude of HR from supine to head up tilt 
(max between 5-10 min of HUTT) for each intervention 
 
 Secondary outcome measures for each intervention will include the peak standing HR 
between 5-10 min HUTT, VOSS Symptom Rating at end of each 10min HUTT, BP, 
advanced hemodynamics & CBF at peak standing HR during 5-10 min HUTT. 
 
7.0 STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
7.1 Primary Analysis 
 
The primary analysis will compare the magnitude of HR from supine to head up tilt 
(max between 5-10 min of HUTT) when the participant is wearing the LifeWrap NASG with full 
compression applied compared to when the patient has no compression applied.  The comparison 
will use a paired t-test (or a Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test if the data are non-normally distributed).    
 
7.2 Secondary Analysis 
 
The secondary analyses will compare the magnitude of HR from supine to head up tilt 
(max between 5-10 min of HUTT) with partial compression to no compression and to full 
compression. Other secondary analyses will include patient reported orthostatic symptoms on tilt 
with different compression garment configurations, and assessments of other hemodynamic 
parameters in different garment configurations as well as a regression analysis of orthostatic 
heart rate and orthostatic symptoms.  We will also consider biological sex differences in 
response to the compression garment.  Additionally, co-morbid medical conditions and the 
medications each participant is prescribed will be evaluated to investigate possible differences in 
response to the compression garment.   
 
7.3 Sample Size Calculation 
 
Since this is a proof of concept study, there is no preliminary data about the effect of 
compression on orthostatic HR change in adults. In a pediatric study4, the mean orthostatic HR 
change upon the addition of abdominal and leg compression was about 25bpm.  Orthostatic 
tachycardia is physiologically greater in children and decreases with increasing age, so a more 
conservative assumption is required. A clinically meaningful reduction in orthostatic tachycardia 
of 10 bpm would be clinically significant. We estimate a standard deviation of about 15 bpm for 
our sample. With the aforementioned assumptions for a paired test of continuous data and a 0.05 
two-sided significance level, a sample size of 26 POTS patients would allow for 90% power to 
detect this difference.  To account for study withdrawal and dropout we will enroll 40 POTS 
patients in total.   
 
 
 

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
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8.0 RISKS and INCOVENIENCES 
BP cuff: Some may find it uncomfortable to hold their arms with an inflated cuff placed around 
the forearm, or finger, in a relatively fixed position, or have the cuff inflated frequently.   
 
Electrodes: Sticky patches will be put on your chest and your limbs to record electrical activity 
from your heart.  This might be uncomfortable to you.  This can occasionally cause a rash.   
 
Compression Garments:  The LifeWrap garment may be uncomfortable to wear. 
 
Tilt-table test (HUTT): There might be light-headedness, dizziness, tremor, headache or nausea 
during the tilt table test.  These symptoms usually resolve rapidly upon lowering of the table.   
 
Transcranial Dopppler (TCD): Ultrasound gel will be applied which may cause a rash.  The 
Doppler probe will be in direct contact with the head, which may be uncomfortable.  The 
headband/apparatus will be snug, but there will be opportunities to loosen it off during the 
recovery periods.  Extended use of TCD at a high power may cause tissue heating, however we 
will keep the TCD at low power, and turn off the data acquisition during recovery periods. 
 
Syncope: A small portion of individuals may experience fainting (syncope) while tilted upright.  
We will continuously monitor your blood pressure and heart rate and lower you immediately if 
you faint or request to be lowered.  If you faint, you may chose to stop the study or continue with 
the next tilt table test, if you feel well and are willing. 
 
We cannot foresee any other risks, but there may be previously unknown or unforeseen risks.   
 
9.0 DATA and SAFETY PLAN 
9.1 Adverse Event (or Unanticipated Problem) Reporting 
 
Any adverse events of a serious nature will be reviewed immediately with the principal 
investigator.  Serious adverse events will be reported in writing to the CHREB within 10 days of 
the PI’s notification of the event.  All study adverse events will be summarized once a year, 
during the annual review reporting, for the CHREB.  The research coordinator will be 
responsible for tracking adverse events in this study.  
The adverse event will be described with the following information:  description of the 
event, outcome of the event, how long it lasted, whether the event required treatment or 
intervention, and the outcome.  
The definition of events is as follows:  
Mild – transient and mild in nature, with no treatment necessary.  
Moderate – some intervention and treatment necessary, but participant completely recovers.  
Severe – an event that results in hospitalization, disability, death or is life threatening.  
 
9.2 Data & Safety Monitor 
There will be no external Data & Safety monitor for this study.  
 
 
 
 

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
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10.0 STUDY WITHDRAWAL or DISCONTINUATION 
10.1 Principal Investigator Initiated Withdrawal 
The principal investigator reserves the right to withdraw the participant from the study 
after they have provided informed consent, but before study completion.  This could occur for 
one of many reasons, which include, but are not limited to: non-compliance with the protocol, a 
concern for participant safety, the availability of new knowledge that might affect continued 
participation in the study, or study termination. 
 
10.2. Study Participant Initiated Withdrawal 
Participants are free to withdraw from this study at any time.  Withdrawal of consent or 
refusal to participate will not prejudice their health care. 
 
10.3 Data Post-Withdrawal 
If the participant is taken out of the study, or if the participant chooses to no longer be in 
the study, then we will stop collecting any information on the participant. With the participant’s 
permission we will keep the data already collected, and this will still be used for analysis. 
 
11.0 COMPENSATION 
Participants will be financially compensated for parking costs related to this study.   
Participants will not be financially compensated for their time involved in this study. We are 
doing assessments that might generate knowledge about their medical condition and may 
indirectly be of benefit to them. 
 
12.0 PRIVACY and CONFIDENTIALITY ISSUES 
Protected Health Information will be used in this study.  The investigators will comply 
with the patient privacy guidelines of the University of Calgary and applicable provincial and 
federal rules. 
 
The research team is comprised of experienced research nurses and research assistants 
who are aware of the importance of confidentiality of health information.  Paper research records 
will be stored in a locked office.  Digital records will be stored on password-protected University 
of Calgary computers/servers and in the University of Calgary Clinical Research Unit REDCap 
Database.   
 
Every effort will be made to publish and present the data from this study.  At no time will 
any participant be identified in any such publication. 
 
13.0 FOLLOW-UP AND RECORD RETENTION  
13.1 Follow Up 
 
There is no follow-up in this study. Once the physiological study day has been 
completed, the participant will be finished in this protocol. We may approach participants who 
participate in this study for further studies related to POTS. 
 
14.0 Study Sponsor 
 
Departmental Funds and the start-up package of Dr. Satish R Raj will support this study. 
We may later apply for independent funding. 

Title: Body Compression in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Effects on Orthostatic Tolerance                             
January, 26, 2018 (v1.0) 
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15.0 Reference List  
 
(1) Freeman R, Wieling W, Axelrod FB, Benditt DG, Benarroch E, Biaggioni I, Cheshire 
WP, Chelimsky T, Cortelli P, Gibbons CH, Goldstein DS, Hainsworth R, Hilz MJ, Jacob 
G, Kaufmann H, Jordan J, Lipsitz LA, Levine BD, Low PA, Mathias C, Raj SR, 
Robertson D, Sandroni P, Schatz I, Schondorff R, Stewart JM, van Dijk JG. Consensus 
statement on the definition of orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated syncope and the 
postural tachycardia syndrome. Clin Auton Res 2011 April;21(2):69-72. 
 
(2) Raj SR. The Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): pathophysiology, diagnosis & 
management. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J 2006;6(2):84-99. 
 
(3) Raj SR. Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Circulation 2013 June 11;127(23):2336-
42. 
 
(4) Heyer GL.  Abdominal and lower-extremity compression decreases symptoms of postural 
tachycardia syndrome in youth during tilt table test.  J Pediatr 2014 Aug; 165(2):395-7 
 
(5) Ocon AJ, Medow MS, Taneja I, Clarke D, Stewart JM. Decreased upright cerebral blood 
flow and cerebral autoregulation in normocapnic postural tachycardia syndrome. Am J 
Physiol Heart Circ Phsiol 2009 Jun 5; 297(2):H664-H673. 
 
(6) Stewart JM, Del Pozzi AT, Pandey A, Messer ZR, Terilli C, Medow MS. Oscillatory 
cerebral blood flow is associated with impaired neurocognition and functional hyperemia 
in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome during graded tilt. Hypertension 2015 Mar; 65(3): 
636-643. 
 
(7) Stewart JM, Medow MS, Glover JL, Montgomery LD.  Persistant splanchnic hyperemia 
during upright tilt in postural tachycardia syndrome.  Am J Physiol Circ Physiol 2005 Sep 
2; 290(2):H665-H673. 
 
(8) LifeWrap International Ltd. LifeWrap NASG.  http://www.lifewrap-nasg.com/.  
Retrieved 2017 Sept 22.   
 
(9) Moon J, Lee HS, Byun HI, Sunwoo JS, Shin JW, Lim JA, Kim TJ, Shin YW, Lee KJ, 
Jeon D, Jung KH, Lee ST, Jung KY, Chu K, Lee SK.  The complexity of diagnosing 
postural tachycardia syndrome: influence of the diurnal variability.  JASH 2016 Jan 9; 
10(3): 263-270.