A team of researchers from the United Kingdom have conducted what they say is the first study to biomechanically compare insoles and braces in medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study was published online August 23, in Gait & Posture.
According to the study abstract, increases in the external knee adduction moment (EKAM) have been associated with increased mechanical load at the knee and progression of knee OA. Valgus knee braces and lateral-wedged insoles are common approaches to reducing this loading. To compare the effectiveness of each of these modalities, a cross-over randomized approach was utilized wherein each intervention was worn by 28 patients for a two-week period. Pre- and post-intervention gait kinematic/kinetic data and clinical outcomes were collected to evaluate the biomechanical and clinical effects on the knee joint.
The researchers concluded that there were no significant differences between the two treatments in any of the clinical outcomes; however the lateral wedged insoles demonstrated greater levels of acceptance by patients. Further, while both treatments reduce the potential role of knee loading in OA progression, lateral wedge insoles appear to have a greater effect.
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by Gait & Posture.
