Lower Leg Compression in Extended Video Game Play: A Pilot Study

Compression garments are used to exert external pressure on the lower extremities to reduce vascular wall tension and prevent gravity form pooling blood in the lower extremities which will improve venous return and lymphatic output. Given the nature of video game play, sitting for prolonged periods of time without an active break is the perfect scenario to put these players at risk for deep vein thromboses (DVTs). Graduated compression wear may offer significant health benefits to this rapidly expanding sport. This study is essential to the formation of effective performance wear to reduce health risks in a gaming population.