Effect of counterforce forearm bracing on wrist extensor muscles performance

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Forearm counterforce braces are commonly used to manage conditions like tennis elbow.
• Their precise effects on muscle function and sensory feedback remain incompletely understood.
• Investigating these effects is crucial for optimizing treatment and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a counterforce forearm brace on isokinetic strength, stretch reflex, passive stretching tolerance, and proprioception in healthy subjects.
• To determine if varying strap tensions of the brace influence these neuromuscular and sensory variables.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen healthy subjects participated in a randomized controlled trial.
• Four conditions were tested: no brace, and brace with minimal, 2.5 kg, and 5 kg tension.
• Measurements included isokinetic wrist extensor strength, passive stretching pain threshold, joint proprioception, and reflex latency.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in isokinetic strength, proprioception, or stretch reflex latency across the four brace conditions.
• A statistically significant increase (P = 0.001) in pain threshold was noted when using the brace compared to no brace during passive stretching.

Conclusions:

• Forearm counterforce braces do not appear to alter isokinetic strength, proprioception, or stretch reflex latency.
• The application of a counterforce brace can elevate the pain threshold during passive stretching of forearm muscles.