| Author: | Liu, Rong |
| Title: | Comfort and mechanical function of compression stockings |
| Degree: | Ph.D. |
| Year: | 2006 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Antiembolism stockings Venous insufficiency Varicose veins -- Treatment Leg -- Blood-vessels -- Diseases -- Treatment Veins -- Diseases -- Treatment |
| Department: | Institute of Textiles and Clothing |
| Pages: | xvii, 284 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | The beneficial effects of compression stockings for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous diseases have been demonstrated. However, their pressure functional performances are variable and unstable in practical applications, and their exact mechanisms of action remain controversial. The objective of this research was to establish a comprehensive knowledge framework for the engineering design and development of compression stockings with comfort sensory perceptions and mechanical functions by conducting theoretical studies, numerical simulations and a series of experimental investigations. To achieve the objective, an integrative research was undertaken involved five principal parts, to investigate the physical, mechanical, physiological and psychological mechanisms, as well as the multiple interactive correlations amongst them. The first part was to systematically estimate and quantify the skin pressure magnitude and distribution applied by graduated compression stockings (GCSs) with different pressure levels, and to analyze the possible reasons influencing pressure mechanical performances. Series of materials physical testing were conducted in the second part of the work, to examine the structural characteristics and mechanical-physical properties of different GCSs fabrics, and to determine the influence of materials properties on skin pressure performance, as well as to establish the quantitative relationships between materials mechanical-physical properties and corresponding pressure functional profiles. Handle estimation and subjective wear trials were carried out in the third part, to investigate the effects of application of different GCSs on subjective tactile, pressure and overall comfort sensory responses, and to establish the quantitative psychophysical relationships between fabric mechanical indices and subjective comfort sensations, and relations between pressure mechanical performances and pressure comfort perceptions. Based on the previous researches, a three-dimensional biomechanical mathematical model for numerically simulating and predicting the static and dynamic mechanical interaction between human leg and compression functional performances of GCSs, were developed in the fourth part by using finite element methods (FEM) and within the ABAQUS/CAE modelling environment, to theoretically investigate the effects of mechanical action of GCSs on longitudinal and transverse interface pressure and internal stress distributions. The dynamic variations of GCSs pressure and stress performance with time were analyzed, and the pressure comfort perception map based on the developed mathematical model was predicted. In the fifth part, the comprehensive psychophysiological wear trials were conducted, to investigate the physiological mechanisms of GCSs on vascular anatomical structures and hemodynamics of the lower extremities with Doppler Ultrasound Examination (DUE), and to examine the psychophysiological effects of skin pressure by GCSs on multiple physiological parameters related to the autonomic nervous system and hormonal stress. Meanwhile, the psychological pressure and comfort sensations induced by GCSs in longer wear term, and the variations of the involved multiple mechanisms and their interactions with time were analyzed and discussed. This systematic research advanced our understanding of the mechanisms of action of compression stockings, and provided a potent foundation for scientific design and development of optimal comfort and mechanical functional performance of compression stockings and other related pressure apparel products. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | open access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b2069684x.pdf | For All Users | 29.64 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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