title: Movement-related variation in forces under compression stockings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Compression therapy is widely used in the treatment of venous leg ulcers, but the efficacy of this treatment is variable. Assessment of variation in compression forces associated with movement may help to elucidate the mechanism of action of compression therapy. The aim of this study was to develop and apply a system to investigate forces under compression stockings during movement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three sensors were placed on the medial aspect of the left leg on six healthy volunteers to monitor forces under class 2 (Continental European classification) compression stockings. Data were recorded during dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the left foot and also during short periods of walking.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Changes in pressure were observed, associated with dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot. These changes were dependent on sensor position. Changes in pressure during walking were also position-dependent and of variable duration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The system enables forces associated with compression therapy to be examined during movement and may thus be of value in further understanding its mechanism of action. Foot movement can be associated with clear changes in pressure under compression stockings and rapid changes in pressure may occur during walking.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Wertheim
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Melhuish
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Williams
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Lane
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Harding
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology