The Effect of Knee Braces on Quadriceps Strength and Inhibition in Subjects With XXXX .

@entity1 @entity4518 @entity158 @entity121 @entity2472
UNASSIGNED: Study Design Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Background The use of external supports has been questioned because they may lead to weakness in the surrounding muscles. To our knowledge, there is no investigation into the effect of knee supports or braces on quadriceps muscle strength and quadriceps inhibition in individuals with @entity4518 . Objective To investigate the effects of a flexible knee support on quadriceps maximum @entity2472 (MVC) and @entity121 ( @entity121 ) in @entity1 with @entity4518 ( @entity4518 ). Methods 108 @entity1 were included with at least 3 months of @entity158 and a K-L score 2 or 3 for @entity4518 . Each was randomized to wear a flexible knee support ('brace') or no support ('no brace') in a 6 weeks RCT, after which followed an open label trial with all @entity1 wearing the brace for a total of 12 weeks. At the 6 and 12 weeks' time points quadriceps MVC was measured isometrically and quadriceps @entity121 was measured by twitch interpolation. Results After 6 weeks, MVC did not differ between the 'brace' and 'no brace' group (9.09Nm; 95% CI -4.89Nm to 23.07Nm, p = 0.20). @entity121 significantly decreased in the brace group (-8.62%; 95% CI -13.90 to -3.33%, p = 0.002). After 12 weeks of all @entity1 wearing a flexible knee support, MVC increased by 7.98Nm (95% CI 2.52Nm to 13.45Nm, p = 0.004). @entity121 decreased by -8.42% (95% CI -11.48% to -5.36%; p<0.001).). Although statistically significant, these results have doubtful clinical significance. Conclusion A patellofemoral flexible knee support in @entity1 with @entity4518 does not have an @entity2472 or @entity121 . Using a knee support should not be discouraged because of concerns about deleterious effects on quadriceps strength and inhibition. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 10 Nov 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.5093.
