Efficacy of different methods of compression therapy and its relation to venous disease and obesity.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of different methods of interfacial elastic compression and their association with obesity and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Methods: Forty legs with vascular disease and 40 control legs were analyzed. Four different methods of elastic compression were applied and interface pressure was measured. Blood flow volume and peak systolic velocity (SPV) were measured before and during compression.

Results: Although there are no general differences correlating higher interface pressures with higher blood flow volume and SPV in CVI patients and controls, there are specific differences related to obesity. Obese participants had lower CVI and higher blood flow volume, in whom higher interface pressure promoted better results.

Conclusions: There is no standard method of compression for all patients. Variables such as the presence of CVI, body mass index, and gender must be taken into account in order to achieve a better individual method of compression therapy.