Development of a New Compression Garment Less Affected by Postural Changes and Movement for Lower-Extremity Edema

Background The principle of edema treatment is conservative, and compression therapy is the mainstay of conservative treatment. In this study, we developed a compression garment with a novel and effective shape and examined its pressure maintenance. Methods We focused on the shape of the gap between the pullers, which affects pressure stability. First, we designed models with a smaller gap area by increasing the number of pullers and then selected an optimal number for the new product. Next, we investigated the effects of posture and movement on the interface pressure using the new product in seven healthy participants and statistically analyzed the results. Results Based on comparisons between models with reduced gap areas, we determined the number of pullers to be four and developed a new product. Compared with current products, the new product maintained a significantly higher interface pressure and was less affected by posture and movement. Conclusions Shape, especially the number of pullers and shape of the gaps, is an important factor determining the therapeutic effect of compression garments for edema treatment, which can maintain a higher interface pressure and reduce fluctuations due to posture and movement. The newly developed compression garment with a novel shape is expected to produce a high and stable therapeutic effect.