A prospective pilot study: In vivo stiffness comparison of light-elastic and strong-elastic off-the-shelf medical compression stockings

Dennis Braß, Nessr Abu Rached, Markus Stücker, Department of Dermatology, and Allergology, Vein Center of the Dermatology and Vascular Surgery Clinics, Catholic Hospital Bochum gGmbH, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum

Phlebology: The Journal of Venous Disease

Published online on February 19, 2026

Abstract

Phlebology, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundStiffness is an independent determinant of compression therapy efficacy, beyond compression pressure alone. Three indices — static stiffness index (SSI), dynamic stiffness index (DSI), and walking pressure amplitude (WPA) — quantify stiffness. ...