Assessment of forces associated with compression therapy under static and dynamic conditions

Compression therapy has been used for centuries to treat venous leg ulcers. However the efficacy of this therapy is variable, which may in part be due to variations in compression applied. However it is not clear whether this should be measured under static or dynamic conditions or both. In order to further investigate the degree of compression applied the authors developed a system for continuous direct measurement that is also capable of measuring during movement. The system is being applied to investigate forces under compression bandages and compression stockings. The forces monitored are expressed as pressure. In accordance with previous studies the authors observed clear variations in recorded pressure under compression bandages applied by experienced nurses to a healthy volunteer. Studies of forces under compression stockings during movement indicated variations in pressure that were position dependent and of variable duration