Effects of a hip brace on biomechanics and pain in people with femoroacetabular impingement

Abstract

Objectives This study evaluates whether hip bracing in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) (a) immediately reduces range of hip internal rotation, flexion, adduction, and pain during functional tasks; and (b) improves patient-reported outcomes when worn daily over 4 weeks. Design Within-participant design followed by a case series. Methods Twenty-five adults with symptomatic FAI underwent 3D kinematic assessment with and without a hip brace during single-leg squat, double-leg squat, stair ascent, and stair descent. A subset of this population (n = 17) continued to wear the brace daily for 4-weeks. A linear mixed statistical model was used to assess pain and kinematic differences..