Stockings which provide an alternative to physiotherapy

A team of researchers at Imperial College London have developed inflatable stockings to give relief to elderly people with mobility problems.

The scientists say the stockings could provide an alternative to physiotherapy in treating patients with artery diseases.

Apparently the stockings are wrapped around the leg and inflated three times a minute, squeezing blood out of the veins.

Trials have already been carried out on 34 people suffering from a condition which affects blood flow to the legs.

Lead researcher consultant vascular surgeon Dr George Geroulakos focused on patients with a condition called intermittent claudication.

Sufferers from this condition have blocked arteries which limits blood flow to the legs and causes cramps and difficulties with walking.

The participants were divided into three groups, one used the stockings, another attended exercise sessions with a physiotherapist and the third followed an exercise regime alone.

It was found that those using the stockings could walk up to two-and-a-half times as far, without the symptoms, after using the device for three hours a day for six months.

Dr Geroulakos has described the results as "remarkable", and says the team are astounded by the effectiveness of the therapy which does not involve drugs and invasive procedures, and can even be quite pleasant for the patient.

According to Dr Geroulakos intense physiotherapy is currently the best treatment for intermittent claudication but high costs have prevented widespread use.

The stockings he says, could provide "an attractive alternative, especially as the treatment can be carried out at home".