Walk on air with inflatable stockings

Inflatable News

Walk on air with inflatable stockings

THOUSANDS of elderly people could find it easier to get around thanks to an unusual fashion accessory - the inflatable stocking. Researchers developed the stocking, which inflates and deflates around the leg, to treat patients with mobility affecting artery disease. And after successful tests they now hope the device could bring relief to sufferers around the world.

The trial involved Imperial College London researchers at Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust and Ealing Hospitals NHS Trust. They focused on 34 patients with intermittent claudication, a painful condition where blocked arteries limit blood flow to the legs and cause cramps and difficulties walking. The condition is more common in men than women and affects 1-2% of under-60s, 2-3% of people aged 60 to 70 and 5% of over-70s.

When the patient exercises the conditions causes insufficient blood flow to reach the lower legs, leading to tingling pain and immobility. They have to stop walking until the pain goes away. The device consists of a stocking connected to a small pump, which is wrapped around the leg and inflated three times every minute, squeezing blood out of the veins in the leg.

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