Project: New generation smart compression stockings with integrated ICT for superior customized performance

Acronym	e-Stockings (Reference Number: aal-2011-4-020)
Duration	01/02/2012 - 01/02/2015
Project Topic	Leg venous disorders constitute a health problem with large impact in the quality of life and mobility capacity of elderly. The most practical non-invasive treatment to counteract and prevent leg venous problems is compression therapy. Current methods are however troublesome and user-unfriendly, leading to poor levels of therapeutic compliance and, as a result, indoor and outdoor mobility restrictions. Overall objective of e-Stockings is to develop a new generation of smart ICT-enabled compression stocking solutions that surpass the limitations of current methods/products. Key features of the novel stockings are: user-friendly application and operation; compliance with individual clinical needs; enhanced mobility; appealing design. The innovative ICT-based concept relies on electronic sensors, actuators and supporting computational elements embedded in e-textiles with wireless connectivity – enabling automatic adjustments while wearing the stockings for real-time customized compression treatment. The primary target group for the novel solutions are older persons with leg venous problems, especially those who cannot help themselves putting on/off conventional compression stockings (estimated at 1.5% of elderly population). Basic (essentially automatic operation) and advanced (higher ICT-based user interactivity) products versions are envisaged from the conceptual and development stages, targeting user groups with diverse ICT skills. The business model combines the technological, market and production capacities of the consortium with a foreseen partnership with a large player within the medical devices sector, to provide market access to the e-Stockings products post-project. Our solution offer large cost savings – estimated at >€5000/patient/year in Northern Europe – compared to current care practices. The project implementation and product-oriented development is focused on end-user needs/ wishes, with strong end-user involvement and proximity at all stages.
Website	visit project website
Network	AAL
Call	Call 4 – Mobility

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
	Aarhus School of Engineering		Denmark
	CURAVIVA.CH		Switzerland
	Handy Wear		Denmark
	Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute Ltd		United Kingdom
	Sidoste Oy		Finland
	Silvergreen Oy Ltd		Finland
	SmartLifeInc Limited		United Kingdom
	Tampere University of Technology		Finland
	The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation		United Kingdom
	Tisturion		Denmark
	University Hospital Basel		Switzerland