Highlights
- •Compression stockings reduced ankle- and calf edema during a short-haul flight.
- •Compression stockings did not improve comfort or pain in young healthy passengers.
- •Use of compression stockings did not cause any adverse events.
Abstract
Background
Compression stockings reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications, leg edema,
and edema-related pain and discomfort during long-haul flights. The aim of this study
was to assess if compression stockings reduce leg edema, pain, and discomfort during
a three-hour flight.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial had a paired design as participants were randomized
to wear a compression stocking on one leg during a three-hour flight with the other
leg acting as control. Eligibility criteria were adults aged 18–60 years living in
Denmark without medical indication for wearing compression stockings during flights.
The primary outcome was the change in difference of ankle circumference between legs
with and without compression stocking pre- and post-flight. Secondary outcomes were
changes in difference of calf circumference, pain, and discomfort pre- and post-flight.
All outcomes were self-reported with measurements and questionnaires.
Results
A total of 34 participants, median age 31 years (range 25–54), were randomized with
complete follow-up. Difference in ankle circumference was median 5 mm larger post-flight
compared with pre-flight (interquartile range (IQR) = 0–9, p = .001) and the corresponding change in calf circumference difference was median
5 mm (IQR = 1–12, p < .001). Ankle- and calf circumferences decreased in the leg wearing compression
stocking and increased in the other leg. There was no change in difference of pain
and discomfort and no adverse events.
Conclusion
Compression stockings reduced edema formation in young healthy passengers during a
three-hour flight. Passengers experiencing edema-related discomfort during short-haul
flights may benefit from wearing compression stockings during air travel.
Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03546725.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 06, 2019
Accepted:
January 17,
2019
Received in revised form:
January 10,
2019
Received:
November 10,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
