Effects of short-term brace wearing on the pendulum-like mechanism of walking in healthy subjects

Progressive spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, often need orthotic management to prevent deterioration. Such braces may alter spinal segmental movements, which contribute in minimizing energy requirements during gait. The goal of this study was to isolate the immediate effect of bracing on mechanical work and energy cost in 13 healthy subjects. Gait was assessed by a conventional motion analysis system. Our results showed a decrease in pelvis and shoulder motion, an increase in external work, and an alteration in pendulum-like mechanism of walking when wearing the brace. However, no significant difference was observed in total mechanical work, electromyographic activity and energy cost. The loss of efficiency of this pendulum mechanism could be due to the reduction of pelvis and shoulder motion brought about by the brace.