Exploration of Clothing Pressure for Compression Pants Measuring Blood Flow and Velocity

Abstract

Older adults are staying active in health care and wearing compression products during exercise. Since most available products are developed for young people, it is necessary to develop those suitable for older adults. This study aimed to explore the optimum level of clothing pressure at each part of the lower limb for designing compression pants with positive effects on the blood flow of older adults. Calf sleeve (CS) and thigh sleeve (TS) were produced using the prototype pattern. Three types of CS and TS were produced to three levels of pressure: L1, L2, and L3. Eighteen participants in their 50 s and 60 s were given 12 experimental sleeves: three types of TS and nine combined types of CS and TS. The experimental sleeves were evaluated for pressure, blood flow, blood velocity, and perceived fit. The TS alone at ~ 9.8 mmHg thigh pressure led to increased blood flow and velocity with an outstanding perceived fit. Wearing CS and TS led to a significant increase in blood flow and velocity at the following pressure: ankle ~ 8.3 mmHg, calf ~ 10.5 mmHg, and thigh ~ 9.8 mmHg, with a significantly positive perceived fit. These results are meaningful in providing valuable data for the design of compression pants.