Effect of Wearing a Compression Stocking on Electromyogram of the Legs

Abstract

Compression stockings are widely used for prevention of varicose vein. Depending on manufacture, there are diverse types of compression stockings available. Most common type of compression stocking might be the one cover calf of a lower leg which has 20~30 mmHg pressure. Despite being widely used, possible side effects that may occur by wearing compression stockings have not been studied much. We analyzed for a long wearing effect of compression stocking. Participants wore the compression stocking over one leg for 7 days. During the period, all the participants did their ordinary works wearing the compression stocking. Electrocardiogram (ECG), ankle-brachial index (ABI), blood pressure (BP), and electromyogram (EMG) were measured at 0 day, 3rd day and 7th day. There was no effect of wearing compression stockings from ECG, ABI or BP. Only EMG that was measured on the covered muscle increased proportionally to the wearing time. Interestingly, EMG from the opposite leg that had never been covered by compression stocking decreased in proportion to the wearing date. These results suggest wearing a compression stocking for varicose vein may cause unintentional increase or decrease of EMG from the wearing or non-wearing legs, respectively.