Research
The development of BraceX was grounded in evidence-based research, ensuring that its design and functionality align with the latest clinical findings on rehabilitation effectiveness. This section presents important research on the role of eccentric training and digital health for various conditions.
Rehabilitation After Hamstring-Strain Injury Emphasizing Eccentric Strengthening at Long Muscle Lengths: Results of Long-Term Follow-Up
Tyler et al, 2017
It was found that a rehabilitation protocol focusing on eccentric strengthening at long muscle lengths significantly reduced the recurrence of hamstring injuries and those who adhered to this program did not have a re-injury at a 2 year follow up.
Low rates of patients meeting return to sport criteria 9 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective longitudinal study.
Welling et al, 2018
Only a small percentage of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction met the return-to-sport criteria nine months post-surgery (46% didn’t meet the quad LSI strength criteria and only 40% met the strength/body mass criteria), highlighting the challenges in achieving full recovery and functional rehabilitation. The findings emphasize the need for more effective rehabilitation strategies and criteria to guide safe and successful return to athletic activities.
Optimizing outcomes of ACL surgery-Is autograft reconstruction the only reasonable option?
Murray, 2021
Approximately 400,000 ACL reconstructions are performed annually with a well-acknowledged elevated re-injury rate. Lowering the risk of reinjury after ACL surgery is an important topic, particularly as revision ACL surgery is known to result in lower patient reported outcomes. Advances in rehabilitation strategies and return-to-sport evaluations are likely to play a role in this.
Combination of Eccentric Exercise and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Improve Biomechanical Limb Symmetry After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
Lepley et al, 2015
A study comparing eccentric exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), the combination of eccentric exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and standard rehabilitation in the development of quadriceps strength revealed greater strength in the eccentric only group and the combo group vs the NMES only and standard group at 12 weeks after injury and at the time of return to play, approximating that of the uninjured control group
Importance of Attenuating Quadriceps Activation Deficits after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Thomas et al, 2012
The number of knee replacements are expected to increase to 3.48 million per year by 2030. Quadriceps muscle weakness has profound functional consequences and is associated with decreased gait speed, balance, stair-climbing, and chair rise ability, as well as increased risk for falls. Therefore, it is not surprising that physical function, like quadriceps weakness, remains impaired in over 50% of patients one year after TKA. As such, attenuating quadriceps strength deficits is imperative to limiting disability later in life.
Exploring the Impact and Acceptance of Wearable Sensor Technology for Pre- and Postoperative Rehabilitation in Knee Replacement Patients: A U.K.-Based Pilot Study
Cooper et al 2022
A 35.7% reduction in face-to-face visits for patients using this wearable technology was noted when a wearable sensor was introduced for pre- and postoperative rehabilitation after knee replacements.
Moderate Load Eccentric Exercise; A Distinct Novel Training Modality
Hopperler, 2016
Moderate load eccentric exercise has shown promising benefits in various medical conditions, including COPD, cancer, metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes, and neurological diseases. It helps improve muscle strength, function, and mobility with lower metabolic cost and minimal joint strain, making it a valuable tool in rehabilitation and injury prevention.
Use, and acceptability, of digital health technologies in musculoskeletal physical therapy: A survey of physical therapists and patients
Merolli et al, 2022
Data suggests that there is a willingness by physical therapists and patients to engage with digital technology including devices that actively collect information and record it.