The MSA Coalition is proud to announce that the research project “Abdominal Binders to Treat Orthostatic Hypotension in Multiple System Atrophy” has received additional funding. In 2020, the MSA Coalition awarded $50,000 in seed funding to investigators at the Innsbruck Medical University Clinic for Neurology for this project that aims to improve the mobility and gait security of people affected by Parkinson’s syndromes including multiple system atrophy (MSA). The project investigates whether wearing an abdominal bandage can prevent spontaneous drops in blood pressure which can often lead to falls and serious injuries.
This important research study has caught the attention of the Dr. Johannes and Hertha Tuba Foundation which provides annual awards in support of outstanding projects in the field of aging research, garnering it 100,000 euros in additional funding. The research is being conducted by principal investigator Professor Gregor K. Wenning, MD, PhD along with co-investigators Dr. Alessandra Fanciulli, MD, PhD and Dr. Cecilia Raccagni, MD, PhD at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
“We are proud to see this research project supported by the MSA Coalition’s seed grant program grow with the additional funding provided by the Dr. Johannes and Hertha Tuba Foundation,” said Pam Bower, Board Secretary and Research Committee Chair, the MSA Coalition. “One of the goals of the MSA Coalition’s research program is to support work that can increase quality of life, and this project is a great example. This research will help determine if using a simple abdominal binder to help maintain blood pressure might reduce the risk and fear of dangerous falls and eliminate the need for resorting to drugs in some patients. The infusion of additional funds from the Tuba Foundation will help ensure that an adequate number of patients are studied to generate sufficient data from this project.”
People with Parkinson’s and people with MSA are often affected by falls and associated injuries. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a key feature of MSA, and it is characterized by severe blood pressure drops upon standing and worsens quality of life by causing recurrent spells of dizziness, blackouts and falls that can lead to serious injury and render a patient bedridden.
In patients with OH due to Parkinson’s disease, elastic abdominal binders have proven to combat OH, without inducing high blood pressure when lying down. Regular use of abdominal binders also significantly improved OH-related symptoms in daily life. This research project examines the efficacy of elastic abdominal binders in treating OH in MSA patients. This non-drug intervention is particularly useful for older patients who often suffer from interactions when taking several drugs at the same time.
“The pronounced tendency to fall in older Parkinson’s and MSA patients is associated with a high risk of injury and mortality. But these motor deficits are relatively easy to treat: The mechanical stabilization of the blood pressure improves gait security, helps avoid falls and thus makes everyday life easier for those affected,” said Wenning.
To read more about the Dr. Johannes and Hertha Tuba Foundation Award and the research program “Abdominal Binders to Treat Orthostatic Hypotension in Multiple System Atrophy,” click here (this article is in German, so make sure to use your browser’s translate option, such as Google Translate).
To learn about research projects funded by the MSA Coalition, click here.
Would this binder eliminate wearing 30-40 Compression stockings to the waist?
Very interested in this study due to my age, and Severe drops BP,
And use of multiple drugs that are time appropriate.
Hi Diane, Yes the hope is that an abdominal binder might eliminate the need for compression stockings and possibly reduce or eliminate needs for drugs.
I’m looking forward to trying an abdominal binder to help with my OH. Thanks for the information!
To help myself with OH I supplement with liquid oxygen drops before I go to sleep and also when I wake up BEFORE I get out of bed. I believe that low blood pressure reduces the amount of oxygen circulating throughout the body and brain. I also try to exercise my legs and midsection too, before rising from bed.
I’m thinking of adding a PEMF mat to stimulate my muscles before rising.
For better balance and muscle strengthening, during the day I use a WBV (Whole Body Vibration) plate.
If bed ridden you can also have a bed frame or wheelchair touch the WBV plate to get some of the benefits. (Thanks to the MS Society of Australia for that suggestion)
I have also had great success with an aerobic massager while watching tv on the floor.
Obviously these suggestions aren’t a cure but they help raise and extend my quality of life.
FYI there are many ways to supplement with oxygen including several variations of liquid (ie; ozonated water, hydrogen peroxide drops, stabilized oxygen drops, and mineral/oxygen drops added to a glass of water).
Magnesium oxide capsules and other methods with ozone (which is three molecules of oxygen bound together) can add oxygen to the body if you have low oxygen levels.
I also often treat myself topically with DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), especially where my ankle hurts from dropfoot.
DMSO drops can also be added to water but it tastes pretty bad.
I recommend caution when adding oxygen. Less is More!
Research formulas and applications, *discuss the addition with your doctor*. Start supplementation with much less than health professionals or a store bought bottle recommend (or what you think you might need). This way you can ease into the protocol without any negative side effects.
Rising out of a chair or bed incorrectly can lead to physical injuries, even a heart attack. For those of you that can, research and possibly find a practitioner of The Alexander Technique. The certified teacher will gently manipulate your limbs, head and neck, and back muscles to lessen constriction to the spine. They will teach you how to walk, sit, stand and rise. Also, with much less stress to the spine, a true blessing for dealing with my MS, OH and MSA.