Compression hosiery for occupational leg symptoms and leg volume: a randomized crossover trial in a cohort of hairdressers

Blazek, C; Amsler, F; Blaettler, W; Keo, H H; Baumgartner, I; Willenberg, T (2012). Compression hosiery for occupational leg symptoms and leg volume: a randomized crossover trial in a cohort of hairdressers. Phlebology, 28(5), pp. 239-247. London: Sage

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OBJECTIVE: Occupational leg symptoms are highly prevalent in the general population and impair the psychic state of health. We investigated hairdressers, a cohort exposed to prolonged standing during work, in a randomized crossover trial. We hypothesized that hairdressers wearing low-strength compression hosiery would benefit from less leg volume increase and discomfort. METHODS: One hundred and eight hairdressers were randomized to wear medical compression stockings (MCS; 15-20 mmHg) in a crossover study. The effect of MCS on symptoms and on lower leg volume was compared with no compression treatment. Symptoms were assessed with a comprehensive questionnaire, categorized using factor analysis with varimax rotation and correlated with leg volume changes. RESULTS: Wearing MCS reduced the symptom score for pain and feelings of swelling (range 0-4) by an average of 0.22 (12%, P < 0.001). Sleep disturbance, feeling of unattractive legs and depressiveness improved with MCS compared with no MCS. Subjects initially obliged to refrain from wearing stockings showed a significant decrease of pain and feelings of swelling as well (by 0.10 [6%], P = 0.015). Wearing MCS was associated with a decrease of lower leg volume by an average of 19 mL (P < 0.001), with preference in older hairdressers (P < 0.001). The effects of wearing MCS on symptoms and on leg volume were not correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals working in a standing profession experience leg pain, feelings of swelling, heaviness and various other disturbing feelings. These symptoms can be alleviated by wearing low-strength MCS.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Cardiovascular Disorders (DHGE) > Clinic of Angiology

UniBE Contributor:

Baumgartner, Iris

ISSN:

0268-3555

Publisher:

Sage

Language:

English

Submitter:

Factscience Import

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 14:20

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:05

PubMed ID:

22451457

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/6482 (FactScience: 211454)

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