Article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gait and neuromuscular
effects of a feedback-based gait monitoring knee brace. The aim of this paper was
to explore how training with this knee brace affected the gait pattern utilized,
rate of loading (ROL), and proprioceptive acuity. METHODS: Fifteen healthy women
wore this knee brace that provided audible feedback on gait kinematics for a
30-min training period. We performed pre- and post-gait analyses and
proprioceptive acuity assessments to determine gait learning and adaptation with
this training. RESULTS: Post-training significant changes were seen in the knee
angle prior to and at initial contact and peak knee extensor, flexor, and
adductor moments, which ultimately led to a reduced ROL experienced. Subjects
also had improved proprioceptive acuity post-training. INTERPRETATIONS: Our
results indicate that using a feedback-based gait monitoring knee brace can
change the gait pattern by increasing the knee flexion angle during the swing to
stance transition. Though there was an approximate 25% decrease in the ROL
experienced, there was also an increase in the knee adductor moment. Future
long-term studies are needed to further explore the positive and negative effects
of feedback-based gait monitoring knee brace on individuals with a compromised
knee joint, such as those post-anterior cruciate ligament injury.
CI - Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS