Pressure gradient differences between medical grade and sports compression socks

This study aimed to investigate the differences in the interface pressure applied by sports and medical compression socks and assess the pressure gradient profile. Sixty (30 male, 30 female) national representative athletes were fitted with both medical grade and sports compression socks in a counterbalanced order. Interface pressure was assessed using a Kikuhime pressure monitor at three different landmarks on the lower leg to better understand absolute pressure application and pressure gradient profile. Medical grade compression socks exerted a small, yet significantly higher mean pressure across the three landmarks (28.8 ± 4.4 mmHg) than sports compression socks (26.3 ± 4.0 mmHg, p < 0.001, d = 0.57). Both garment types exhibited progressively graduated pressure profiles, where pressure was highest at the proximal end of the limb and lowest at the distal end. These findings highlight the possible differences between types of compression garments and their progressive, rather than graduated, pressure gradient.