Article

Knee osteoarthritis is common. The evidence regarding the
effectiveness of braces and orthoses for patients with knee osteoarthritis is
inconclusive according to English-language literature. English-language reviews
to date have not included Japanese-language studies.
This study aimed
to collect and synthesise Japanese-language randomised controlled trials
investigating the effectiveness of braces and orthoses for patients with knee
osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Eight databases were
systematically searched from inception to 29 July 2015. Only Japanese-language
randomised controlled trials were included. Risk of bias was assessed using
Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. A meta-analysis was not appropriate due to
the heterogeneity in the included studies. RESULTS: Seven randomised controlled
trials with low to high risks of bias were included. Six of seven included
studies were conducted by the same author group. Limited evidence supported the
positive effects of short-lever elastic knee braces to improve pain and
functional disability in specific outcomes. No evidence was found to support the
use of foot orthoses, such as laterally wedged insoles, medial arch support and
metatarsal arch pad. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review found no conclusive
evidence about the effectiveness of any braces and orthoses for patients with
medial knee osteoarthritis. Future Japanese-language studies should address
methodological flaws exposed in this review and strengthen the international
evidence base. Clinical relevance This is the first systematic review of
Japanese-language randomised controlled trials investigating orthoses for
patients with knee osteoarthritis. Clinicians can consider the use of short-lever
elastic knee braces to improve specifically pain on squat or walking. Evidence
found in this review does not support the use of foot orthoses.

Langue : ANGLAIS