The Physiological Effect of Graded Compression Stockings on Blood Flow in the Lower Limb: An Assessment with Colour Doppler Ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the physiological effect of lowpressure graded compression stockings (GCS) on the blood flow of the lower limb with the use of colour Doppler.Design: A randomised controlled study. Setting: X-ray Department in a teaching hospital. Patients: Forty-five healthy, adult, voluntary subjects. ethod: Subjects were randomised into three groups to either wear thigh-or knee-length GCS of the same type or no stockings. The diameter and cross-sectional area of the femoral and popliteal veins and the peak venous velocities were measured with colour Doppler before the application of GCS and after 20 min bed rest with the stockings in situ.Results: Measurements showed a significant increase of the peak velocity in the femoral vein with thigh-length GCS (p < 0.002). There was a significant decrease of the popliteal vein diameter and cross-sectional area with thigh-length GCS (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in the knee-length GCS group and the control group, in which patients did not wear stockings. A paired t-test was used to determine the significance of the changes.onclusions: Thigh-length GCS have an effect of Increasing venous peak velocity in the femoral vein, hence decreasing venous stasis. Furthermore, they decrease the dilatation of the popliteal vein, which may reduce the risk of intimal tears occurring, which contribute to venous thrombogenesis. Other methods can given more information in assessing the effect of various lengths of stocking on venous stasis.

Effect of Compression Stockings on Running Performance in Men Runners

“…The literature concerning the effects of compression garments on performance parameters seems controversial. Although positive effects of compression on venous hemodynamics (3,17,21), arterial perfusion (6,8), deeper tissue oxygenation (1), and muscle oscillation (7,12) have been noted, with corresponding effects on lactate expression/ clearance (5,9,22), lower CK levels (13,20), muscle fatigue (19,21), and muscular soreness (2,13), only a minority of studies (9,12,18) have reported significant effects on performance parameters in healthy subjects. Concerning endurance performance, no study has determined more favorable values for time under load (5), distance performed (2,13), or power (22) for running or wheelchair cycling exercise to a voluntary maximum.…”

“…T he positive effects of compression garments have become increasingly interesting for athletes across various disciplines. Some authors have determined favorable effects of compression stockings, tights, or sleeves on venous hemodynamics (3,17), arterial perfusion (6,8), deeper tissue oxygenation (1), and muscle oscillation (7,12), with corresponding effects on lactate kinetics (5,9,22) and muscular soreness (2,13). Although these alterations should positively affect aerobic capacity and overall performance, no study with healthy athletes has shown higher aerobic capacity, and only a few studies (9,12,18) have reported more favorable effects of compression garments.…”

Objective Evaluation of Skin Pressure Distribution of Graduated Elastic Compression Stockings

“…GCSs provide an external, controlled pressure gradient and support from the ankle to the thigh for the superficial venous system to reduce the increased hydrostatic pressure and help the veins contract without muscle activity and pump the venous blood up toward the heart. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] For compression stockings to be effective, desirable pressure is of great importance. Inadequate interface pressure will be ineffective in venous disease reduction, and excessive pressure may compress arterioles without improving the venous flow.…”

Effect of compression on blood flow in lower limb wounds

“…Although it is inexpensive and now being used routinely in outpatient clinics, it cannot easily differentiate between superficial and deep veins and is therefore only used for screening. Venous imaging using colour Doppler ultrasonography is widely used for assessing all lower limb vessels, providing both anatomical as well as functional information with high sensitivity (25).…”

“…Benko et al (25) assessed the physiological effect of low-pressure graded compression stockings on the blood flow of the lower limb in healthy volunteers with the use of colour Doppler ultrasound. They observed significant increase in blood flow velocity in the femoral vein and significant decrease in the vein diameter and cross-sectional area of the popliteal vein.…”