Comparison between the effects of 18- and 23-mmHg elastic stockings on leg volume and fatigue in golfers

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the effect of 18- versus 23-mmHg hosiery as for leg volume and fatigue control. Methods: Forty golf players (M: N.=29, F: N.=11; mean age 48±11 years) were randomized for a 18-hole competition without hosiery (N.=10), with 18-mmHg graduated stockings (N.=10) and with 23-mmHg graduated stockings (N.=20, half of which footless and half footed). An echo-color-Doppler scanning excluded vascular pathologies. Limb volume was assessed by water plethysmography. The perceived fatigue was assessed by a questionnaire. Results: The use of no hosiery led to a 5% increase in leg volume (P<0.0001). In the 18-mmHg group, a non-significant 1% volume reduction was observed. In the 23-mmHg group, leg volume significantly decreased by 4% both with footless and footed stockings. A significant fatigue reduction was perceived only in the 23-mmHg group. Conclusions: A leg volume increase was reported along an 18-hole competition. In the 18- and 23-mmHg groups, only the latter demonstrated a significant reduction in leg volume and perceived fatigue.