Changes in Tissue Oxygen Saturation in Response to Different Calf Compression Sleeves

Abstract

Aim . The purpose was to examine the changes in tissue oxygen saturation (StO 2 ) in response to the application of different commercially available calf compression sleeves. Methods . Eight subjects came to the laboratory to complete a session in seated position including 10 min of quiet rest followed by 3 min measuring calf StO 2 without compression sleeves and then alternating of 3 min of passive rest and 3 min measuring StO 2 with calf compression sleeves. A total of 15 different commercially available compression sleeves were studied in a randomized order. Calf StO 2 was recorded using near-infrared spectroscopy. Results . StO 2 was significantly increased with all compression sleeves p < 0.05 compared with no compression (from +6.9% for the least effective to +22.6% for the most effective). Large differences were observed between compression sleeves p < 0.05 . StO 2 was positively correlated with compression pressure ( p < 0.05 ; r = 0.84 ). Conclusion . This study shows that wearing compression sleeves from various brands differently affects tissue oxygen saturation. Differences were linked to the compression pressure: higher compression pressures were associated with higher StO 2 .