EFFECT OF BRACE TYPE ON KNEE JOINT LAXITIY AND FUNCTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS FOR PATIENTS WITH ACL RUPTURED KNEES

Abstract

Sleeve braces could increase proprioceptive stimulation and hence lead to increased benefits than shell braces in ACL injury rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two brace types compared to a non-braced condition on joint laxity and functional achievements (proprioception, stability and strength) in 28 ACL deficient patients. With the sleeve brace a significant reduction of joint laxity and of the medio-lateral deviation when standing on an unstable lateral perturbed surface was achieved. Additionally a significant increase of the rate of force development was shown for the sleeve braced condition compared to the rigid shell and non-braced condition. Sleeve braces might not be needed in simple daily life tasks, but could provide beneficial support in more dynamic settings like sport and physical rehabilitation training.