The Effects of Below Knee Compression Garments on Functional Performance in Individuals with Parkinson Disease

Background: Symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) include bradykinesia, gait abnormalities, balance deficits, restless leg syndrome, and muscular fatigue. Compression garments (CG) have been shown to improve performance in athletes by increasing venous return and reduce lactic acid. Objective: Assess the effect of compression garments on the performance of 3 standardized functional tests in persons with PD. Methodology: The functional tests selected represented strength, endurance, and mobility measures in individuals with PD. Nineteen males and 2 females (age 48-85) with PD participated in this cross-over design study. Subjects were randomly assigned to test under two conditions on two separate days: 1) wearing below knee CG 2) wearing sham stockings. Outcome measures included 5 Times Sit to Stand (5XSTS), gait speed, and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT). There were seven days between trials. Results: A paired t-test was used for each dependent variable. Significance was set at p < 0.05. There were no significant differences found between the CG and sham socks for all outcome measures. Paired t-tests for the dependent variables were Gait Speed p=.729; 5XSTS p=.880; 6MWT .265; RPE p. =1.00. Conclusion: Data to support the use of compression garments for enhanced proprioception, muscle power, speed, and endurance is in need of further study with the PD population. In particular, it is recommended that future studies assess the possible physiological benefits of compression garments when worn during exercise interventions.