Article

Biomechanical factors, such as spinal deformities can result in
balance control disorders.
The purpose of this study was to examine
the effect of bracing on static and dynamic balance control of hyperkyphotic
female adolescents.
METHODS : A force platform was
employed to record center of pressure (COP) parameters.
Ten adolescents
undergoing Milwaukee brace for hyperkyphosis and 14 normal subjects participated
in the study. The COP data were collected with and without brace immediately on
first day and after 120 days of continuous brace wear. RESULTS: No significant
difference was found in dynamic and static balance tests with and without brace
on the first day (P > 0.05). After 120 days, the values of COP displacement in
functional reach to the right and left for the hyperkyphotic adolescents when
performing without brace enhanced significantly compared to the first day. The
forward reach distance was not significantly different between the normal and
hyperkyphotic subjects (P = 0.361); however, hyperkyphotic participants had
significantly smaller reach distance in the functional reach to the right (21.88
vs. 25.56 cm) and left (17.04 vs. 21.25 cm). CONCLUSION: It might be concluded
that bracing had a possible effect on improvement of dynamic balance performance,
because the subjects could reach the target in dynamic reach tests with higher
displacement in sagittal plane without losing their balance control. Clinical
relevance Little is known about the biomechanical aspects of brace wear in
individuals with hyperkyphosis. This study investigated balance differences
between the healthy and hyperkyphotic individuals, and outcomes of Milwaukee
brace wear. It might provide some new insight into the conservative treatment of
hyperkyphosis for clinicians and researchers.

Langue : ANGLAIS