A comparison of interface pressure and stiffness between elastic stockings and bandages.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the interface pressure during posture changes and exercise between elastic stockings and bandages.
METHODS: Using a pressure transducer (air pack-type analyzer), the interface pressures associated with three different elastic stockings and three different elastic bandages were measured during supine resting, standing and exercise in 15 healthy volunteers.
RESULTS: Short-stretch bandages showed a significantly higher static stiffness index value, which is defined as the pressure difference between lying and standing, than long-stretch bandages and short-stretch stockings (P < 0.001). Furthermore, short-stretch bandages showed a significantly greater pressure difference between muscle contraction and relaxation in both tip-toe and knee-bending exercises than long-stretch bandages and short-stretch stockings (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Short-stretch bandages can be expected to have more pronounced benefits for augmenting muscle pump than long-stretch bandages and short-stretch stockings.