The higher calf pressure induced by wearing graduated elastic compression stocking increases calf venous compliance

The purpose of the present study was to clarify effect of increase in calf pressure on calf venous compliance. The calf pressures were increased by wearing elastic compression stockings with different pressures (Calf pressure 0, 12, 17, 21 mmHg). Healthy twelve people (six men and six women, 43.3 ± 15.3 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Changes in calf venous volume during spine rest were measured by mercury plethysmography. We analyzed the calf venous compliance by inflating the venous collecting cuff to 60 mmHg for 7 min, then decreasing cuff pressure at 1 mmHg/sec (over 1 min) to 0 mmHg, using cuff pressure as an estimate of venous pressure. This method produced pressure-volume curves fitting the quadratic regression (Δlimb volume) = β₀ + β₁ · (cuff pressure) + β₂·(cuff pressure)², where Δ is change. The higher calf venous compliance and volume were observed in with the higher pressure stocking. These results suggest that higher calf pressure induced by wearing elastic compression stocking increases calf venous compliance and maximum venous outflow.