The Effect of Simultaneous Use of Knee Braces and Foot Orthoses on Postural Control in Older Adults during Walking

The performance reduction of proprioceptive and plantar pressure and lower limb muscles lead to balance loss. Using interventions such as braces and orthoses can assist postural control and improve sensation in these receptors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the simultaneous use of knee braces and foot orthoses on postural control in male and female older adults during walking.

The present study was of a semi-experimental. The statistical population includes the older adults of Ardabil city and the statistical sample consist of 30 older adults (including 15 women and 15 Men). The interventions used in this study include a support knee brace with restriction of knee movements, a type of foot orthosis along with simultaneous use of both of them. Center of pressure was recorded using a Bertec force plate. The statistical analysis was done using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures at the significance level of 0.05.

The value of the maximum displacement of the center of pressure in the medio-lateral direction during walking with a brace and orthosis increased significantly by 20.68% compared to walking without a brace (P=0.011). The main effect of group for maximum displacement of the center of pressure was significant (P=0.003). Paired wise comparison demonstrated statistically greater maximum displacement of the center of pressure in the male group than that female group.

Considering the disruption of balance in the older adults, braces and orthoses can prevent these people from reducing posture control, balance disturbance, and falling after that by creating a positive potential for these people.