Effect of a prophylactic brace on wrist and ulnocarpal joint biomechanics in a cadaveric model.
BACKGROUND
Wrist pain from repetitive dorsiflexion and compression during pommel horse exercises is common among male gymnasts.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the biomechanical effects of a prophylactic wrist brace on the wrist and ulnocarpal joints during mechanical loading in a cadaveric model.


OBJECTIVE
The lateral wedge of the palmar pad of the brace will compensate for positive ulnar variance, distributing contact forces more evenly across the radioulnar carpal joint.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
Six male and six female fixed cadaveric forearm-wrist specimens were subjected to a 32.13-kg compressive load applied through the long axis of the pronated forearm with a dorsiflexed wrist in contact with a support surface. Wrist joint dorsiflexion angle and ulnocarpal joint intraarticular peak pressure were assessed under three brace conditions: Ezy ProBrace with and without palmar pad and a nonbraced control.


RESULTS
Wrist joint dorsiflexion angle was significantly reduced by the Ezy ProBrace with and without the palmar pad. However, ulnocarpal joint intraarticular peak pressure was reduced only by the brace with pad.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of pathologic wrist changes requires intervention in pressure attenuation, which was achieved with the Ezy ProBrace with palmar pad.


CONCLUSIONS
This brace may decrease the cumulative effects of repetitive stress of pommel horse exercise training.
Grant-Ford
Marsha
M
Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, USA.
Sitler
Michael R
MR
Kozin
Scott H
SH
Barbe
Mary F
MF
Barr
Ann E
AE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001915:Braces; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006173:Gymnastics / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*