This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of two different types of elastic neoprene knee sleeves on balance and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). One knee sleeve was a standard elastic neoprene sleeve, while the other had four metal supports for additional stability. In this randomized controlled study, 60 patients (50 females, 10 males) diagnosed with KOA were divided into two groups: Group 1: Wore a standard elastic neoprene knee sleeve Group 2: Wore a neoprene knee sleeve with four metal supports Each participant underwent clinical assessments before and after wearing the knee sleeve. The following tests were used: Balance Assessments: Berg Balance Scale (BBS): Measures overall balance ability. Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Evaluates mobility and fall risk. Functional Reach Test (FRT): Assesses stability by measuring how far a person can reach forward. Fall Index (Tetrax® posturography): Provides an objective measure of fall risk. Pain Assessment: Visual Analog Scale (VAS): Measures the intensity of pain. Further long-term studies are necessary to determine whether these immediate benefits persist over time.
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The Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
Timeframe: Assessments were performed before and immediately after wearing the knee sleeves