Knee Orthotics Do Not Influence Coordinative Skills—A Randomized Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial

Abstract

Objective: This single-blind randomized controlled crossover pilot trial investigated whether hard or soft knee orthotics affect the back in action (BIA) test battery performance. Methods: Twenty-four healthy participants (13 males, 11 females) were randomly assigned into three equal groups differentiated through the order of device use. The data were collected in a laboratory setting. BIA test battery (balance tests, vertical jumps, and parkour hop tests) was run with a rigid orthotic device, a soft brace, or no aid in a crossover order. Analysis of Variance repeated measures and Friedman Test were used to calculate depended-group differences. Results: No significant or clinically relevant effect or differences was observed between running the BIA with a soft brace, rigid orthosis, or no aid (p = 0.53–0.97) for all included tests. No adverse events have been observed. Conclusion: Soft and rigid knee braces do not affect performance in healthy participants. Missing experience with the devices might explain a few influences on feedback mechanisms. There is no disadvantage to be expected regarding healthy participants running back to sports.

Keywords

• anterior cruciate ligament
• biomedical monitoring
• physiotherapy
• rehabilitation
• return-to-sports
• sports