The effect of patellofemoral bracing on walking in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Although knee braces are used by individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome, the effect of patellofemoral bracing on knee flexion during walking has not been elucidated.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of patellofemoral bracing on sagittal plane knee joint kinematics and temporal spatial parameters during walking in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental.

METHODS: Ten subjects with a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome were fitted with a knee brace incorporating an infrapatellar strap. Testing was performed at baseline and after 6 weeks of use. Gait analysis and a visual analog scale were used to assess outcomes in this study.

RESULTS: A 59.6% decrease in pain was reported by using bracing. Bracing significantly improved speed of walking (p ≤ 0.001) and step length (p ≤ 0.001). The mean cadence was also increased following 6 weeks of patellofemoral brace use, but this was not significant (p = 0.077). Knee flexion angles improved during initial contact, loading response, and mid-swing (p ≤ 0.001) after 6 weeks of patellofemoral brace use.

CONCLUSION: Knee orthoses resulted in decreased pain, improved temporal spatial parameters (speed of walking and step length), and increased knee flexion angles during ambulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.