effects of thoracolumbosacral braces on gait knetics and muscle activities before and after puberty in kyphosis child

Purpose: kyphosis is associated with relatively altered vertebral body shape, reduced bone density and fitness, and decreased muscle strength; accordingly, this study investigates the effects of two types of thoracolumbosacral braces on gait kinetics and muscle activities during walking before and after puberty in kyphosis child.methods: a total of 40 (20 boys and 20 girls) with kyphosis volunteered to participate in this study. the participants were divided into four equal groups (boys before and after puberty and girls before and after puberty). kinetic and electromyography data were recorded during walking. results: significant decreases and medium to large bracing effects for peak vertical and lateral ground reaction forces during heel contact were observed. meanwhile, there were significant increases and medium to large-sized bracing effects for gas-med and biceps femoris activities during the loading phase of walking.conclusion: lower vertical ground reaction force at brace conditions demonstrates the improvement of gait efficiency before and after puberty.