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Low birth weight (LBW) is the main known determinant mortality in under 1 year old children particularly in neonates. The aim of this research is to study the rate of LBW and evaluation of some effective factors in LBW, such as: Difference races, residential conditions, maternal age, parity. This research is analytic-descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study population consists of 2183 newborns that are given birth in Dezyani Hospital during 1996. These samples were chosen by systemic randomized technic (3:1). Information was gathered by a questionnaire. The findings show that LBW rate was 6.3% in population under study, which in male and female newborns were 5.7% and 6.9% respectively. The LBW rates in newborns with mothers age?18 years old and those with ?35 years were 1.8% and 1.4% folds higher than LBW rates for newborns with mothers age 19-35 years. The LBW percentage for primiparous women were 1.9 folds to multiparous who had 2-4 deliveries. LBW rates for newborns with Systanie race were approximately 1.8 folds higher than newborns with Torkman ethnic. The results of this study indicate factors such as: Maternal age, race, parity, affect on LBW rates.

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Anthropometric dimensions are basis for evaluation of newborns’ health. In respect of importance of anthropometric indices of head and face in forensic medicine, surgery, pediatrics, medical imaging, … . We achieved this study. Determining range of head and face dimensions in normal one-day old female newborns on Fars and Turkman races. This descriptive and cross-sectional study is achieved on 423 normal one-day old newborns (Turkman group: N=211, Fars group: N=212) by classic cephalometry method. Mean and standard deviation of cephalic and prosopic indices in Fars group were 78.63±4.7, 74.3±11.5 and in Turkman group were 77.85±8.7, 81.6±9.8 respectively. Dominant and rare types of heads in Fars group were mesocephalic (42%) and hyperbrachycephalic (9%) and in Turkman group were mesocephalic (39%) and hyperbrachycephalic (8%) respectively. Dominant and rare types of face in Fars group was hypereuriprosopic (71%) and hyperleptoprosopic (4.24%) and in Turkman group were mesoprosopic (39%) and hyperleptoprosopic (1.89%) respectively. This study determines the types of head and face in normal female newborns in Fars and Turkman groups and determines the effects of racial factor on the diversity of head and face shapes in normal newborns.

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It is reported that the rate of congenital malformations is about 2-3% at birth. They are one of the major causes of morbidity, mortality and disability in childhood are later in adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of gross congenital malformations that were preset at birth. The other factors studied were anatomic locations of anomalies, neonatal sex, race, maternal age and race. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, and the sample population was 10000 births. The rate of congenital malformations was 10.1/1000 in our sample 11.8/1000 in male and 7.5/1000 in female neonates. The rate of malformations in musculoskeletal system were 3.8 In CNS 2.8 and in urogenital system 2.5 per 1000 births. It was concluded that the most frequent malformations in CNS, musculoskeletal and urogenital system were cystic spina bifida, clubfoot and hypospadias respectively. The rate of malformations newborns were 14.5 per 1000, 8.5 per 1000 and 17 per 1000 birth in Turkman, native Fars and Sistan racial groups respectively. The results from this investigation showed that there were relations between rate of over malformations, races and sexes of individuals.

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Background & Objective: The rate of using contraceptive methods in an important criteria for evaluation the performance of family planning in women aged 15-49 years. The aim of this study is to determine the 7-year trend of contraceptive methods in population of rural area in Babol. Materials & Methods: This study was performed based on the existing data in family planning program charts in area under coverage of Gatab health center in Babol from 1994 to 2000. A sample of 400 women aged 15-49 years were selected using systematic sampling technique within each year based on the list of women who had husband aged 15-49 years in family planning books. In overall, 2800 women examined during 7 years of study. The data of type of contraceptive method and the calendar year were extracted from family planning charts. We used Z-test and Chi-square test in statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the rate of tobactomy increased significantly from 26.2% in 1994 to 36.7% in 2000 (P<0.05). The use of condom and IUD changed from 3% to 7.5% and from 5% to 8.5% respectively. The percentage of women did not use any contraceptive method decreased from 27.5% in 1994 to 4.7% in 2000 (P<0.05). While a significant changes neither were observed in using oral contraceptive nor withdrawal methods using 7 years. Conclusion: The rate of using confident methods of contraception increased significantly from 1994 to 2000. In spite of the relative high rate of withdrawal method and due to lack of its confidence, the more research and education for shifting its user to modern form of contraceptive is necessary.

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Background and Objective: Sexual satisfaction is a significant factor in prevention of sexual disorders among women. There are many factors associated with sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine some factors related to women sexual satisfaction in Gachsaran, in South-West of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytic study was done on 1014 women which refered to health centers in Gachsaran city during Jan-Jun 2008. Data was collected by self–reported questionnaires and analyzed by Chi-Squre and Pearson tests. Results: The scale of sexual satisfaction were 0.4%, 10.9%, 47.5% and 41.7% unsatisfied, low, moderate and fully satisfied, respectively. There was a correlation between sexual satisfaction and women age, couple age difference, length of marriage, family economical condition and contraceptive method (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that, woman age , couples age differences, length of marriage, couple economic condition, and contraceptive method were related to sexual satisfaction. These factors should be taken into consideration in all marriages and sexual consultation.

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Background and Objective: There has been considerable debate regarding the best treatment of the Achilles tendon rupture. One of the nonoperative treatment method for Achilles tendon rupture is using the functional brace. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the functional brace with/without patellar tendon bearing on treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture. Materials and Methods: In this semi expremental study, 17 patients with Achilles tendon rupture were recruited and randomly allocated into 2 groups: functional brace with patellar tendon bearing and functional brace without patellar tendon bearing. Pain, plantar and dorsi flexion strength and the required time for progressively increased dorsi flexion position in orthoses to reach the neutral position were measured. Data analyzed with SPSS-13, independent t-test and Smironov-Kolomogrov. Results: Three patients were excluded during follow up and finally this study was done on 14 patients. The difference of the pain intensity and the plantar and dorsi flexion, in each group, before and after the intervention was significant (P<0.05), but the difference between two groups after intervention in all variables was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that both brace with/without patellar tendon bearing are effective on improvement of pain and the plantar flexion and dorsi flexion strength and also are effective in required time to reach the neutral position.

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Background and Objective: Millions of women in the world use oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). On the other hand %16 to %19 of women suffer from migraine and many of them have tension headaches. These women may wonder whether the consumption of OCPs is harmful for them. This study carried out to determine the effects of combined low estrogen oral contraceptive pills on migraine and tension headaches. Materials and Methods: This case control study was done on 344 women which reffered to health care centers in Mashhad, Iran during 2009. Case group include 244 women which consumed oral contraceptive for at least three month. 100 women without OCPs consumption were considered as control group. The criteria of International Headache Society for migraine and tension headaches were used to diagnose headache. The severity and the frequency of headaches before and after the consumption of OCP were recorded. Data was analyzed by Chi-Square, Fisher exat, Logestic regresion and Wilcoxon tests. Results: The frequency of migraine headache was 5% and 6% in case and control groups respectively. This different was not significant (OR=0.88, 95%CI: 0.3-2.69, P=0.804). The frequency of tension headache in cases and controls was 12% and 10%, respectively. This different was not significant (OR=1.26, 95%CI: 0.56-2.86, P=0.055). Conclusion: This study showed that the consumption of OCPs, has no effects on the advent of migraine and tension headaches and do not increase the rate and severity of the attacks.

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Background and Objective: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is One of the most common injuries at knee joint. Threshold of motion sense included inputs that are received by mechanical receptors at dynamic position. The objection of present study was to find the effect of functional brace on the Kinesthesia motion sense in patients with ACL rupture.

Materials and Methods: In this Quasi- experimental study, 20 patients with ACL tear, with aging range between 18 to 44 years old were recruited. Patients were selected in a simple non probability sampling manner. Using Continuous passive motion for testing the Kinesthesia motion sense, as a dependent variable. Data was analyzed with Paired t-test and Colmogrof-Smirnof tests.

Results: Threshold of motion sense at affected knee before and after bracing was 3.93±1.67, 4.45±1.86 in open eyes and 3.82±1.61, 4.13±1.96 in closed eyes (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that the functional brace did not play in important role in the improvement of threshold of motion sense in patients with ACL tear.

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Background and Objective: The utrine cervical cancer is the third common cancer among women word-wide. Oral contraceptives (OCs) have characterized as one of the possible risk factors for cervical cancer which are daily used by millions of women. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between utrine cervical carcinoma and oral contraceptives. Materials and Methods: This case - control study was done on 128 patients with utrine cervical cancer as cases and 128 healthy women as controls in Tehran, Iran during 2008. The cases matched with controls according to age, history of abortion, number of deliveries, and social-economical status. Data were analyzed using SPSS-11, student’s t-test, Chi-Square, Pearson's correlation and Fisher’s exat tests. Results: Significant correlation was observed between utrine cervical cancer and the history of using and duration of oral contraceptives (P<0.05). Eighty-one (66.3%) and 46 (35.9%) of subjects in case and control groups used oral contraceptives, respectively. The possibility of utrine cervical cancer through oral contraceptives consumption was 3.072 (CI 95% 1.05-2.91) and this rate increased to 5.2 times after consuming the oral contraceptives for longer than 8 years. Conclusion: This study showed that the usage of oral contraceptives increase the possibility of utrine cervical cancer by 3 times.

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Background and Objective: Thyroid hormones have a key role in regulation of metabolism and function of the tissues. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Portulaca Oleracea on serum level of thyroid hormones in hypercholestrolemic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 60 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups including: control group with normal diet, fat diet group with high fat diet and interventional groups were received high fat diet and alcoholic extract of Portulaca Oleracea with maximum dose (800 mg/kg/bw), moderate dose (400 mg/kg/bw), minimum dose (200 mg/kg/bw) intraperitoneally for 21 days and finally, animals in atorvastatin group were received high fat diet with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/bw, intraperitoneally) for 21 days. After the end of this period, T3, T4, TSH and total cholesterol measured for each animal. Results:Serum level of T3 and T4 in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group significantly increased in compared to controls (P<0.05). Serum level of TSH level significantly reduced in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group in compared to controls (P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol level significantly reduced in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group in compared to fat diet group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Portulaca Oleracea extract with increasing of secretion of thyroid hormone reduced the total cholesterol and TSH animals with hypercholesterolemia.

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Background and Objective: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the most important organic pollutants that causing multiple side effects including carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxicity. Among the aromatic compounds degrading bacteria, pseudomonas produce board spectrum of degrading enzymes and are used, as biological tools, for decreasing of PAHs. This study was done to evaluate the degradation of polycyclic hydrocarbones anthracene by using Pseudomonas aeruginusa.

Methods: In this descriptive – analytic study, sampling was collected from river estuary sediment and had cultured in Minimal Salt Medium (MSM). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was one of the isolated bacteria from river sediment which identified by molecular technique. In next step, influence of pH (6.5 and 7.5) temperature (25 and 35°C) and concentration of anthracene (150 and 200 ppm) were surveyed on anthracene biodegradation and bacterial growth during zero, 24 and 48 hours by HPLC and spectrophotometry method respectively.

Results: The results showed that the optimized condition for biodegradation included pH=7.5, 35°C and 150 ppm of anthracene. Bacterial degradation of anthracene was increased with prolong of incubation time. Biodegradation efficiency of anthracene in the presence of pseudomonas was 50% within 2 days, which indicates the ability of the bacteria for the enzymes production.

Conclusion: High growth potential of pseudomonas in unsuitable areas and due to the production of degrading enzymes, it can be used as indicator bacteria used to remove anthracene.

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Background and Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic necrotic and chronic illness that causes by demyelination in CNS. One of the common clinical symptoms in MS is cognitive disorders. The most common cognitive defects in patients with MS are reduction of memory and information processing rate hippocampus functions in brain are memory and learning. This study was done to determine the function mechanism of memory discover by study on hippocampus. Nowadays tendency of herbal therapy is increased because of drug's side effects. This study's purpose that is from experimental typ effect of compaind extract of Portulaca olerace, Urtica dioica and Boswellia serrata on memory and number of neurons in CA1 area of hippocampus in induced multiple sclerosis rats.
Methods: In this experimental study 30 male adult rats were randomly allocated into control group, sham group (salin injection), (MS + salin) group, (MS + mixture extract, dose of 200 mg/kg), (MS + mixture extract, dose of 400 mg/kg). MS model was induced by intra hippocampal injection a single dose of ethidium bromide (0.01% ethidium bromide sulotion in 0.9% salin) and in 3 microlitre volume with 1 microlitre in minute rate intraperitoneally. Compaind extract of Portulaca olerace, Urtica dioica and Boswellia serrata were injected as the treatment for 21 days. The shuttle box test was used for evaluation of memory. Dissector method was used for neural density in CA1 of hippocampus. Histopathology method was used for evaluation of the alteration of cells.
Results: Neural density in MS induced group was singnificantly reduced in comparison with control and sham groups (P<0.05). Neural density was singnificantly increased in treatment groups in comparison with MS induced group (P<0.05). Histological results showed that induction of MS caused the disrution of neuron cells in compare to controls, but intraperitonal injection of compaind extract cause neurogenesis in tertment groups. Memory in MS induced group was singnificantly reduced in comparison with control and sham groups (P<0.05), but memory was singnificantly increased in treatment groups in comparison with MS induced group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Compaind extract of Portulaca olerace, Urtica dioica and Boswellia serrata with dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw due to neurogenesis and amilioration can effective in memory recovery and neural necrosis in MS disease.

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Background and Objective: One of the most common malalignments of the knee joint is valgus. This study was done to determine the effect of using graded knee brace at two angles of 60 and 30 degrees on the ground reaction force components in males with genu valgus during landing.
Methods: This clinical trial study was done on twenty males with genu valgus with age range of 21.70±2.12 years. The graded knee brace was used in two flexion angles of 60 and 30 degrees. Landing from a platform with 40 cm height on a force plate was done during three conditions including without brace, with a brace at flexion angles of 30 and 60 degrees.
Results: A significant reduction was observed in the vertical force during contact phase while landing with brace at a 60-degree angle compared with landing without brace by 15.21% (P<0.05). Also, the peak of medio-lateral force during the heel contact phase while landing with knee brace at 30 degree was significantly greater than that landing with knee brace at 60 degree by 27.18 % (P<0.05).
Conclusion: By reducing the knee flexion angle, the forces of the lower extremities increase and this issue could possibly increase the risk of injury in the knee joint. Therefore, the use of this type of brace is recommended for individuals with genu valgum at a 60 degrees limiting angle.

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Background and Objective: Hypertension is associated with changes in the structure and function of the vessels. This study was done to evaluate the effect of aerobic training with Garlic consumption on matrix metalloproteinase-3, 9 (MMP-3, MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in obese postmenopausal women with hypertension.
Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was done on 36 obese postmenopausal women with hypertension. Participants were randomly divided into 4 groups including control group, Garlic consumption, aerobic training and training with Garlic consumption. Subjects in training groups participated in a progressive aerobic training for eight weeks, three sessions a week (55% to 65% of the reserved heart rate and for 30 to 55 min). Garlic and training with Garlic groups consumed 1000 mg of garlic supplement for eight weeks (after breakfast and dinner). Two days before and after the protocol, blood samples were taken in fasting state.
Results: The level of MMP-3 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased in Garlic, aerobic training and training with Garlic groups in compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, the level of MMP-3 in the training with Garlic was significantly reduced in compared to the training and the Garlic groups (P<0.05). MMP-9 in the training with Garlic was significantly reduced in compared to the Garlic group (P<0.05). However, TIMP-1 level were significantly increased in the Garlic, training and training with Garlic in comparison with control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aerobic training alone and in combination with Garlic affect on extracellular matrix thorough reduction of MMP-3, MMP-9 and increasing TIMP-1, improves systolic blood pressure in obese postmenopausal women with hypertension.

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Background and Objective: Genu varus deformity is associated with changes of lower limb muscle co-contraction and running economy. This study was done to evaluate the effect of using of brace in three different knee flexion angles on running economy and lower limb muscular co-contraction in individuals with genu varus.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on active soccer male students including 15 healthy subjects (average age of 22.86±1.55 years) and 15 subjects with genu varus (average age of 22.13±1.80 years). The amount of electrical activity of the muscles (tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semi-tendinosus) were recorded by electromyography system during four conditions of with and without using knee brace. After that, directed and general co-contraction was computed during running. The angles of brace were 15, 30, and 60 degrees. The values of VO2 max were recorded using of gas analyzer system to compute running economy.
Results: The ratio of respiratory exchange was significantly more in the genu varus group than healthy group (P<0.05). However, the acute effect of brace was not significant on running economy and ratio of respiratory exchange. The main effect of brace was significant for general co-contraction of knee joint during the loading phase (P<0.05). Paired wise comparison revealed significant greater general knee co-contraction during brace conditions (P<0.05). However, the general knee co-contraction during loading phase reduced while using brace 15 degree. The main effect of “brace” for ankle joint general co-contraction during the push-off phase was significant (P<0.05). Paired wise comparison revealed significant greater general ankle co-contraction during brace conditions at push-off phase (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Knee brace did not change running economy. However, the using of brace 15 degree improved general knee joint co-contraction during loading phase.

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Background and Objective: Genu varus is a deformity in frontal plane that in weight bearing position whiles the medial malleolus’s touch each other, the medial knee epicondyles far from each other. Genu varus is very prevalent in soccer players. This study was done to evaluate the effect of using knee brace and lateral wedge on muscular activity amplitude in male soccer players with genu varus during running.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 15 right-footed male soccer players with genu varus and 15 healthy soccer players. A wireless electromyography system with eight pairs of bipolar Ag/AgCl surface electrodes (20 mm center-to-center distance; input impedance of 100 MΩ; and common-mode rejection ratio of >110 dB) was used to record the activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris, and gluteus medius muscles of the right leg. Electromyography data were recorded by sampling rate of 1000 Hz in selected muscles during running at five conditions including: control, 10 degrees lateral wedge, 15 degrees lateral wedge, simultaneous using 30 degrees brace and 10 degrees lateral wedge, and simultaneous using 30 degree brace and 15 degrees lateral wedge.
Results: Treatment intervention had reduction effect on muscular amplitude of biceps femoris and vastus lateralis during push-off phase (P<0.05). Muscular amplitude of biceps femoris and vastus lateralis during loading phase was reduced due to Treatment intervention (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Simultaneous using of lateral wedge and knee brace reduce the electromyography activity of vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles. This reduction may be associated with passive support of knee brace that in result could decrease the external knee adductor mowment.

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Background and Objective: Back pain is a common orthopedic disease that affects up to 80% of the population at some point in life. Brace is one of the tools that used to reduce pain. The relationship between brace application and gait parameters in people with low back pain is not well understood. This study was done to determine the effects of simple and sensor thoracolumbosacral braces on gait kinetics in patients with low back pain.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 15 men and women with low back pain in the biomechanics laboratory of Mohaghegh Ardabili University Health Center in nort-west of Iran during 2020. Each participant performed three gait conditions including without brace, with sensory brace and with simple brace. Ground reaction forces were recorded and compared by a force plate while walking.
Results: The average walking speed during no brace, simple brace and sensor braces were not significant different. Also, results did not demonstrate any significant effect of simple or sensor braces on ground reaction force amplitudes, their time to peak, and free moment values.
Conclusion: Simple and sensory thoracolumbosacral brace did not effect on gait kinetics in low back patients.

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Background and Objective: The use of lumbar braces affects kinetics and kinematics. This study evaluated the effects of two types of simple and sensor thoracolumbosacral braces on electromyography activity of selected muscles in patients with kyphosis during running.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 15 males with kyphosis. The subjects performed a running task in three conditions: without braces, with simple braces, and with sensor braces. An 8-channel wireless electromyography system was used to record the activity of the muscles of the lower back and lower limbs during running.
Results: There was no significant difference between the tested conditions in response to loading, middle support and swing; however, during push-off, the median frequency of the gastrocnemius muscle was greater when running with a simple brace compared with running without brace (P<0.05). In addition, the median frequency of the semitendinosus muscle was significantly higher while running with sensor brace compared with simple brace (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Using brace, especially sensor brace, can improve muscle activities in patients with kyphosis.

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Background and Objective: One of the ways to correct kyphosis is to use braces. This study was done to determine the effects of two types of simple and sensor thoracolumbosacral braces on ground reaction force components during walking in males with kyphosis.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 15 males with kyphosis did three walking trials on the force platform without a brace, with a simple brace and with a sensor brace. Ground reaction force data were collected using Bertec force plates.
Results: There was no difference in peal forces, free moment and loading rate values during walking with and without braces.
Conclusion: Using a brace does not affect walking kinetics in males with kyphosis.
 

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Background and Objective: Using lumbar orthoses changes the running mechanics. An essential biomechanical factor in rehabilitation and injury prevention is the co-contraction of the knee and ankle joints. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of 2 types of thoracolumbosacral braces on ankle and knee joint co-contraction in people with kyphosis during running.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 15 men aged 18-25 years suffering from kyphosis greater than 40 degrees in the Biomechanics Laboratory of the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Health Center during the summer of 2020. Each participant randomly performed 3 running tests in each condition: without a brace, with a sensor brace, and with a simple brace. The test consisted of electromyographic data of the selected lower limb muscles, which also recorded the contraction of the knee and ankle muscles in the right leg when running at a constant speed.
Results: The results showed a reduction of the general knee co-contraction while using a sensory brace compared to without the brace by 6% during the loading phase (P<0.05). Additionally, using a simple brace compared to the condition without a brace, the ankle-directed contraction during the push-off phase decreased by 38% (P<0.05). Directed vastus medialis and lateralis co-contraction while using a sensory brace increased by about 49% compared to without the brace at the loading phase and increased by about 47% at the mid-stance phase without a brace condition compared to the simple brace condition (P<0.05).
Conclusion: General knee co-contraction after using a sensory brace was lower than when a simple brace was used.