Changes in walking mechanics associated with wearing an intertrochanteric support belt

This study assesses changes in the mechanics of walking for sacroiliac joint patients when: a) wearing an intertrochanteric support belt, b) wearing an intertrochanteric support belt in a placebo position and c) not wearing a support belt at all. The mechanics of walking were assessed by measuring the ground reaction forces during the support phase of gait using a force-platform. The results obtained did not show clear differences between the walking patterns of three experimental situations; however, some tendencies were observed which led to the speculation that the intertrochanteric support belt may restrict motion in the sacroiliac joint.