Electrogoniometry of post-surgical knee bracing in running

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Background:

• Knee injuries often require bracing to manage range of motion during physical activity.
• Understanding the biomechanical effects of different knee braces during running is crucial for rehabilitation and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the dynamic range of motion (ROM) at the knee for two types of braces (derotation and elastic support) during overground running.
• To assess the effect of these braces on flexion-extension, internal-external rotation, and varus-valgus motion.

Main Methods:

• Six adult volunteers with surgically repaired knees ran at a slow pace while wearing an electrogoniometer and potentiometers to measure knee motion.
• Data were collected for four conditions: healthy knee, surgically repaired knee, surgically repaired knee with an elastic support brace, and surgically repaired knee with a derotation brace.

Main Results:

• The derotation brace significantly reduced internal rotation (22%) and external rotation (31%) of the surgically repaired knee.
• Flexion-extension ROM was reduced by 11% with the derotation brace; the elastic support brace had no significant effect on any ROM parameters.
• The non-surgical limb exhibited 5% greater flexion and extension compared to the surgical limb.

Conclusions:

• Derotation knee braces can effectively limit excessive rotation and flexion-extension during running in individuals with surgically repaired knees.
• The choice of knee brace significantly influences the dynamic ROM of the knee during athletic activities.
• Elastic support braces may not provide comparable motion-limiting benefits for surgically repaired knees during running.