[Effect of custom molded functional brace on balance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament tearing]

ABSTRACT

Knee joint is a complex structure and anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] tear is one of the most common injuries of it. Anterior cruciate ligament, because of its proprioceptive function, has an important role in balance control and its tearing may tend to balance control deficiency. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of functional brace on the balance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Method: In this quasi-experimental study, 20 patients with anterior cruciate ligament tear, with the age of 18 to 44 years, were recruited. Patients were selected by simple sampling method. Force plate was used for testing the postural balance, as a dependent variable. Data were analyzed using paired-t and chi-square tests. The velocity of center of pressure in x and y directions was not statistically significant comparing the bracing position with bare feet. The difference between pre and post orthotic intervention testing of displacement was not statistically significant in with/without brace position [P>0.05]. According to the results, it seems that the functional brace is not effective in improvement of postural balance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament tear