Effect of Brace Design on Patients with ACL-Ruptures

G. Strutzenberger; M. Braig; S. Sell; K. Boes; H. Schwameder

doi:10.1055/s-0032-1304634

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Int J Sports Med 2012; 33(11): 934-939
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1304634

Orthopedics & Biomechanics

Effect of Brace Design on Patients with ACL-Ruptures

Authors

G. Strutzenberger

¹Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Hallein-Rif, Austria
M. Braig

²Department of Sport and Sportscience, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), BioMotion Center, Karlsruhe, Germany
S. Sell

³Klinik für Rheumaorthopädie, Sana Joint Center, Bad Wildbad, Germany
K. Boes

²Department of Sport and Sportscience, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), BioMotion Center, Karlsruhe, Germany
H. Schwameder

¹Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Hallein-Rif, Austria

Abstract

Different designs of functional knee braces for ACL-injury rehabilitation exist. In addition to the mechanical stabilization provided by rigid shell braces, sleeve braces also address proprioceptive mechanisms, but little is known if this leads to benefits for ACL-deficient subjects. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 2 different functional brace designs (shell and sleeve brace) on functional achievements in ACL-deficient patients. 28 subjects with ACL-ruptured knees performed tests for knee joint laxity, joint position sense, static and dynamic balance and isometric and dynamic lower limb extension strength in non-braced, sleeve braced and shell braced condition. The results showed a significant decrease in knee joint laxity for sleeve (33%; p<0.001) and rigid shell bracing (14%, p=0.039). The sleeve brace revealed a significant increase in dynamic balance after perturbation (20%; p=0.024) and a significant increase in dynamic lower limb peak rate of force development (17%; p=0.015) compared to the non-braced condition. The effects might be caused by the flexible area of support and the incorporated mechanisms to address proprioceptive aspects. Braces might not be needed in simple daily life tasks, but could provide beneficial support in more dynamic settings when patients return to sporting activities after an ACL-injury.

Key words

ACL-deficiency - functional bracing - proprioception - rehabilitation

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Referenzen

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