Article

Decreases in patellofemoral pain symptoms with bracing treatment have
been established; but, the mechanisms remain unclear.
The purpose of this study
was to determine the immediate and long-term effects of the patellar bracing on
electromyography (EMG) activity of the Vastus Medialis (VM) and Lateralis (VL),
Rectus Femoris, lateral Gastrocnemius, Biceps Femoris and Semitendinosus (ST)
muscles during level walking. METHODS: 12 eligible women aged 20-30 years with
diagnosis of patellofemoral pain participated in the before and after study.
Intervention consisted of 8 weeks of patellar bracing. First, patients were
tested without brace, then with a brace, and finally eight weeks later without a
brace. Surface EMG activation of the selected muscles during level walking was
recorded. RESULTS: After eight weeks of patellar bracing, EMG activity of VM
muscle was significantly higher when compared to first session without brace
(p=0.011) at mid-stance sub-phase. Additionally, EMG activity of ST muscle during
first session with brace was significantly lower when compared to first session
without brace at mid-stance sub-phase (without brace) (p=0.012). EMG activity of
VM muscle after eight weeks of patellar bracing was significantly higher than the
first session without brace at late stance and preswing sub-phase (p=0.013).
CONCLUSION: Long-term wearing of patellar bracing increases EMG activity of VM
during mid-stance and late stance and preswing sub-phases of gait and immediate
effect of patellar brace is decrease of EMG activity of ST muscle during
mid-stance.
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Langue : ANGLAIS