ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Interface pressure and stiffness characterizing the elastic properties of the material are the parameters determining the dosage of compression treatment and should therefore be measured in future clinical trials. OBJECTIVE: To provide some recommendations regarding the use of suitable methods for this indication. METHOD: This article was formulated based on the results of an international consensus meeting between a group of medical experts and representatives from the industry held in January 2005 in Vienna, Austria. RESULTS: Proposals are made concerning methods for measuring the interface pressure and for assessing the stiffness of a compression device in an individual patient. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo measurement of interface pressure is encouraged when clinical and experimental outcomes of compression treatment are to be evaluated.
