Measuring the Load Acting on a Knee Brace of Center Bridge Type During Walking

Abstract

A measurement knee brace with a built-in load sensor on the medial strut was developed to investigate the use of CB braces for knee osteoarthritis. We measured the load acting on the CB brace during walking. As a result, the medial pillar acted as a corrective force against the knee joint adduction moment. The length of the strut was determined from the measured load, and the length multiplied by the corrective force was defined as the corrective moment. These measurements were normalized to one gait cycle, and the corrective moments in the movements of knee osteoarthritis patients were compared with those of healthy subjects. Based on the results, the mechanical loading status revealed that compared to healthy subjects, knee osteoarthritis patients receive more support in the medial strut comprising the knee brace structure.