CoxaTrain and the hip’s biomechanics

A key objective in treating osteoarthritis is an improvement in joint function. New study results presented by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) substantiate the impact of the flexible CoxaTrain brace on the hip’s changed biomechanics. The examined coxarthrosis patients presented improved mobility during an everyday exercise whilst wearing the brace: they were quicker when walking and turning their bodies 90°, which indicates increased confidence in movement. With the same torsional moment, there was less rotation in the hip joint when wearing the brace. This means they avoid a painful range of motion without additional strain.

These biomechanical insights can be associated with previously proven clinical effects of the CoxaTrain – such as significant pain reduction and an increased functional ability. The new results were published by Steingrebe et al. in the open access specialist journal Clinical Biomechanics.

Gait analysis focusing on step turn and spin turn

The published results analyze walking 90 degree turns, either turning whilst taking a step (step turn) or turning on one leg (spin turn). The step turn is more stable in comparison, while the spin turn requires more rotation in the hip joint as well as more postural stability (balance). Both turning conditions are typical everyday movements which result in changed kinematics in the frontal and transverse plane in patients suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the hip, such as reduced hip extension. Parameters were measured just after donning of the product (short-term effect) and after seven days of wearing the brace (medium-term effect).

Increased confidence in movement & effects on adjacent joints

When wearing the CoxaTrain, the osteoarthritis patients showed a significantly increased initial speed in the forward movement of the body’s center of gravity during both turning conditions in the short and medium term. This may indicate increased confidence in movement as well as improved proprioception.

Furthermore, the hip’s range of motion was reduced in the transverse plane – with the same torsional joint moment. Reduced internal and external rotation without increased joint strain indicates improved movement which avoids painful end ranges.

During the study design, biomechanical effects on adjacent joints were also examined and detected. The foot position changed, for example: the foot progression angle when wearing the CoxaTrain was reduced during the step turn in internal rotation and in external rotation during the spin turn, which can positively influence hip stability. Knee biomechanics remained the same during the step turn. During the spin turn, slightly increased knee moments were registered.

For more information, please see the complete research publication in Clinical Biomechanics.

Other publications from the KIT study

The positive biomechanical effects of the CoxaTrain correspond with clinical effects that were also examined in the KIT study and published by Steingrebe et al. in 2022 in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. They confirmed significantly less pain at night and during walking as well as increased functional abilities after seven days of wearing the brace. It may be that the effects impact each other, and that improved gait as well as increased joint function can be traced back to the pain reduction triggered by the brace.

You can read more about the interpretation of the CoxaTrain’s clinical effects in the specialist article “The range of non-surgical hip treatment has been expanded”.

In the interview “Effects only make sense if they are beneficial”, Hannah Steingrebe, Study Director, shares details about the study design and its objectives.

Service information

The CoxaTrain brace relieves hip pain, reduces muscular imbalances, and provides the joint with stabilizing guidance when walking. The pain-relieving effect of the brace and its positive influence on the wearer’s gait support movement treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip, rheumatoid arthritis or impingement syndrome. If required, the flexion and extension of the hip joint can also be limited. Physicians and medical retailers based outside Germany can obtain information from their local Bauerfeind Sales Team or Bauerfeind’s International Customer Service.