Effect of compression stockings on walk distance in patients with intermittent claudication

• Grant number: 14/01019-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Eduardo Zerati
• Grantee: Antonio Eduardo Zerati
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Intermittent claudication (IC) of the lower limbs is found in early stages of atherosclerosis and is characterized by pain, discomfort or weakness in the extremities, triggered by the same distance walk or equivalent muscle activity, with complete regression after the close of such activity. These symptoms result from exercise-induced muscle ischemia. Compression stockings are prescribed for many years by vascular surgeons in the treatment of venous diseases and lymphatic system. Several studies have shown positive effects of compression of the lower limbs, such as improvement in venous hemodynamics, blood perfusion, oxygenation in subcutaneous tissue and muscle oscillation during contraction, which are reflected in effects on the clearance of lactate, levels of creatinine phosphokinase (CK ) on the efficiency of muscle contraction and muscle fatigue. The association of use of elastic stockings with prolonged exercise would promote the reduction of structural damage and muscle ischemia in athletes, which probably leads to reduced muscle soreness.The objective of this study is to determine whether the beneficial effects of the use of elastic compression stockings in athletes have the same influence in patients with intermittent claudication secondary to peripheral vascular disease, which could result in increased maximum walking distance and / or free pain. (AU)