Correlation between the static and dynamic stiffness indices of medical elastic compression stockings

Abstract

Background: Compression therapy with medical elastic compression stockings (MECS) has been used effectively for treating patients with chronic venous insufficiency for many years.

Objective: To study the correlation between static stiffness and the dynamic stiffness index of 18 different brands of MECS.

Methods: In all, 18 different brands of MECS were divided into 5 categories (class II round-knit, class II flat-knit, class III round-knit, class III flat-knit, and class IV flat-knit) and tested. The tension of the textile of the MECS at the B1 level was measured according to the Institut de Textile France method to calculate the static stiffness index. The dynamic pressure pulsations were measured with a newly developed dynamic pressure-determining device to calculate the dynamic stiffness index.

Results: The results showed that there was a positive correlation between the static stiffness index and the dynamic stiffness index. The dynamic stiffness indices were higher than the static stiffness indices.

Conclusion: Although the stiffness of MECS is a further refinement to the current classification, which classifies MECS according to the pressure they exert at the B level, the dynamic stiffness index does not have any additional value over the static stiffness index as far as the classification of MECS is concerned. Either or both of these characteristics should be used to select the most suitable MECS for the patient.