Article

Osteoarthritis progression can be related to the external knee adduction and
flexion moments during walking. Lateral foot wedges and knee braces have been
used as treatment for osteoarthritis, but little is known about their influence
on knee joint moments generated in the sagittal and frontal planes. Therefore,
the aim of the present study was determine the effects of the isolated and
combined use of valgus knee brace and lateral wedge foot orthotic on peak forces
and moments during gait in knee osteoarthritis patients. Twenty four males (age:
62.1+/-2.0years) with varus alignment, symptomatic medial compartment knee
osteoarthritis participated in this study. Subjects walked over ground at
preferred speed in four conditions: (1) no assistive device (control); (2) using
lateral wedges, (3) using knee braces, and (4) using both lateral wedges and knee
braces. Ground reaction forces (GRF) and moments, as well as lower limb
kinematics were recorded. Peak GRF, vertical loading rate, free moment, external
knee adduction and flexion moments were compared across conditions. The
concurrent use of lateral wedge and knee brace reduced the first peak GRF in the
vertical (6%, p=0.002), anterior-posterior (30%, p=0.028) and medial-lateral
directions (44%, p=0.029). Moreover, the use of these devices reduced the peak
external knee adduction moment (25%, p=0.019), but not the external flexion
moment and free moment (p>0.05). The combined use of lateral wedges and knee
braces can reduce medial-lateral knee joint loading, but despite reduced peak
forces in the sagittal plane, these device do not reduce joint moments.
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Langue : ANGLAIS