The measurement of interface pressure applied by sports compression garments: A comparative study of two portable devices

Abstract

The interface pressure applied by compression clothing is an important measure in evaluating the efficacy of the bio-physical impact of compression. The aim was to compare two portable pneumatic pressure measuring devices (PicoPress and Kikuhime), against a non-portable, Hohenstein System (HOSY) reference standard, used by medical regulatory agencies. Interface pressure obtained in-vivo (calf) by the PicoPress and Kikuhime, were compared with HOSY. The mean bias and limits of agreement indicate the PicoPress satisfies the a priori thresholds for acceptable validity at the posterior and lateral orientation with calf stockings (−0.4[−3.3;2.5]; 0.5[−3.4;4.4] mmHg) and tights (0.2[−4.7;5.1]; 1.2[−0.3;5.4] mmHg) respectively. The Kikuhime did not satisfy thresholds for acceptable validity at any orientation, overestimating the pressure compared with HOSY. We recommend using the PicoPress, specifically at the posterior or lateral aspect of the calf. This is of particular relevance when the hosiery is applying relatively low levels of pressure, applicable to sports compression.