STUDY DESIGN Literature review. OBJECTIVE To establish consistent parameters for future adolescent idiopathic scoliosis bracing studies so that valid and reliable comparisons can be made. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Current bracing literature lacks consistency for both inclusion criteria and the definitions of brace effectiveness. METHODS A total of 32 brace treatment studies and the curre...

BACKGROUND Ankle sprain is the most common sports-related injury with a high rate of recurrence and associated costs. Recent studies have emphasised the effectiveness of both neuromuscular training and bracing for the secondary prevention of ankle sprains. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of combined bracing and neuromuscular training, or bracing alone, against the use of neuromuscular train...

BACKGROUND Corrective bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has favourable outcomes when patients are compliant. However, bracing may be a stressful and traumatic experience and compliance with a bracing protocol is likely to be dependent upon patients' physical, emotional and social wellbeing. The Brace Questionnaire (BrQ), a recently-developed, condition-specific tool to measure q...

BACKGROUND The role of knee bracing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions is controversial. HYPOTHESIS Functional bracing will have an effect on subsequent knee injury in skiers with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS From 1991 to 1997, 11606 skiers at a major destination ski resort underwent preseason knee screening...

AIM Rehabilitation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) requires a careful choice from among the possible treatments, such as bracing and exercises, according to the patient's needs. According to the literature, there is little evidence regarding the efficacy of these rehabilitation instruments. During the past few years, a full series of studies has been carried out to investigate their ef...

optimization of structures for minimum weight has become important in the recent designs. in this study, a genetic optimization algorithm for weight minimization of steel frames has been used. the genetic algorithm is an optimization and search technique based on the principles of genetics and natural selection. constraints regarding material strength and serviceability are taken from “aisc cod...