Measurement of lower leg compression in vivo: recommendations for the performance of measurements of interface pressure and stiffness: consensus statement.
BACKGROUND
Interface pressure and stiffness characterizing the elastic properties of the material are the parameters determining the dosage of compression treatment and should therefore be measured in future clinical trials.


OBJECTIVE
To provide some recommendations regarding the use of suitable methods for this indication.


METHODS
This article was formulated based on the results of an international consensus meeting between a group of medical experts and representatives from the industry held in January 2005 in Vienna, Austria.


RESULTS
Proposals are made concerning methods for measuring the interface pressure and for assessing the stiffness of a compression device in an individual patient.


CONCLUSIONS
In vivo measurement of interface pressure is encouraged when clinical and experimental outcomes of compression treatment are to be evaluated.
Partsch
Hugo
H
Medical University, Department of Dermatology, Vienna, Austria. Hugo.Partsch@meduniwien.ac.at
Clark
Michael
M
Bassez
Sophie
S
Benigni
Jean-Patrick
JP
Becker
Francis
F
Blazek
Vladimir
V
Caprini
Joseph
J
Cornu-Thénard
André
A
Hafner
Jürg
J
Flour
Mieke
M
Jünger
Michael
M
Moffatt
Christine
C
Neumann
Martino
M
D001458:Bandages / Q000592:standards*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002138:Calibration; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D011187:Posture; D011786:Quality Control; D013784:Textiles; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy