The effect of knee bracing on plantar pressure variables of healthy females during stance phase of gait

There is limited information regarding the effects of knee bracing on plantar pressure variables. The aim of this study was to determine the immediate effects of a supporting patellar brace on plantar pressure variables in healthy females during stance phase of gait. 17 women (age: 22. 3 ± 1. 31 years) participated in this study. Plantar foot pressure of the subjects was measured by foot scan pressure plate while walking barefoot with and without wearing supporting patellar brace. Dependent t-test was used for data analysis. P≤0. 05 was considered significant. Peak plantar pressure was delayed during initial heel contact while using supporting patellar brace (P=0. 026). In regard to the distribution of pressure، no significant difference was found in the ten regions on the plantar surface when subjects walked with and without brace (P>0. 05). The center of pressure displacement (COPx) was more during propulsion phase of gait while using knee brace (P = 0. 01). The results of this study indicated that bracing could influence lower extremity function by delaying peak plantar pressure and consequently provide dynamic stability of the knee joint during stance phase of gait. Further studies are needed to advance our understanding of the effects of bracing on plantar pressure variables during gait.