ITAST (Iranian Textile Association of Science and Technology) Journal of Textiles and Polymers 2322-5203 13 3 2026 11 22 Biomechanical Modeling and Pressure Response Analysis of the Lower Leg Using the Finite Element Method: Evaluating the Effect of Soft Tissue Mechanical Properties مدلسازی بیومکانیکی و تحلیل پاسخ فشاری ساق پا با استفاده از روش اجزای محدود: ارزیابی اثر خواص مکانیکی بافت نرم 251130 10.48302/jtp.2026.574844.1348 EN Atefeh Ghanbari Department of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156 83111, Isfahan, Iran Afsaneh Valipouri Department of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology 0000-0001-6444-0249 Mohammad Zarrebini Department of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156 83111, Isfahan, Iran Nima Jamshidi Department of Biomedical Engineering, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran Rahmatollah Kiani Harchegani Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Journal Article 2026 02 12 The biomechanical response of the lower leg to external compression was investigated using a three-dimensional, subject-specific finite element model, with emphasis on the effect of soft-tissue mechanical properties on interface pressure distribution. A lower-leg anatomical model was reconstructed from computed tomography data, and two commercially available compression stockings, Medi and Sigvaris, with the same nominal compression class (23–32 mmHg), were mechanically characterized and incorporated into the model. The predicted interface pressures ranged from 34–47 mmHg at the ankle, 17–37 mmHg at the calf, and 16–27 mmHg at the sub-knee region. Validation against experimentally measurements using a Kikuhime pressure gauge yielded mean relative prediction errors of 15% for Medi and 20% for Sigvaris. Parametric simulations with soft-tissue Young’s moduli of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 MPa demonstrated that tissue stiffness substantially influenced both pressure magnitude and spatial uniformity. Reducing Young’s modulus by 66% decreased peak interface pressure by 12–18% and promoted a more uniform circumferential pressure distribution. Despite identical nominal compression classes, Medi and Sigvaris produced distinct pressure distributions, highlighting the role of stocking mechanical properties and anatomical geometry. These findings demonstrate that soft-tissue stiffness should be considered when evaluating compression stocking performance and support the use of finite element modeling for comparative and patient-specific analysis.