This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of two different types of elastic neoprene knee sleeves on balance and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). One knee sleeve was a standard elastic neoprene sleeve, while the other had four metal supports for additional stability. In this randomized controlled study, 60 patients (50 females, 10 males) diagnosed with KOA were divided into two groups: Group 1: Wore a standard elastic neoprene knee sleeve Group 2: Wore a neoprene knee sleeve with four metal supports Each participant underwent clinical assessments before and after wearing the knee sleeve. The following tests were used: Balance Assessments: Berg Balance Scale (BBS): Measures overall balance ability. Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Evaluates mobility and fall risk. Functional Reach Test (FRT): Assesses stability by measuring how far a person can reach forward. Fall Index (Tetrax® posturography): Provides an objective measure of fall risk. Pain Assessment: Visual Analog Scale (VAS): Measures the intensity of pain. Further long-term studies are necessary to determine whether these immediate benefits persist over time.
KOA is a common joint disorder that leads to pain, stiffness, and impaired balance, increasing the risk of falls. Knee sleeves are often used as supportive devices to provide stability and reduce pain. However, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness in improving balance and reducing pain in KOA patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
We hypothesized that a neoprene elastic knee sleeve with metal supports would have a greater acute effect on balance and pain than a neoprene elastic sleeve. The first study to evaluate the acute effects of 2 different knee sleeves on pain and balance.
We hypothesized that a neoprene elastic knee sleeve with metal supports would have a greater acute effect on balance and pain than a neoprene elastic sleeve. The first study to evaluate the acute effects of 2 different knee sleeves on pain and balance.
Eskişehir Osmangazi University Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Eskişehir, Turkey (Türkiye)
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
Total score is between 0-56. 56 points indicates perfect balance
Time frame: Assessments were performed before and immediately after wearing the knee sleeves
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
This test, which evaluates balance function is reported that a threshold value above 14 seconds predicts falls with high sensitivity and specificity.
Time frame: Assessments were performed before and immediately after wearing the knee sleeves
Functional Reach Test (FRT)
15 cm or less indicates a significantly increased risk of falling, while 15 to 25 cm indicates a moderate risk of falling.
Time frame: Assessments were performed before and immediately after wearing the knee sleeves
Fall Index, calculated using posturography (Tetrax®)
100 indicates the lowest risk of falling, while 0 indicates the highest risk of falling.
Time frame: Assessments were performed before and immediately after wearing the knee sleeves
the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Patients were required to indicate the level of pain they were experiencing on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain and 10 representing the most intense pain they had ever felt.
Time frame: Assessments were performed before and immediately after wearing the knee sleeves
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