J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Mar-Apr; 14(3): 185-8.

Changes in walking mechanics associated with wearing an intertrochanteric support belt.

Conway PJ, Herzog W.

University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

This study assesses changes in the mechanics of walking for sacroiliac joint patients when: a) wearing an intertrochanteric support belt, b) wearing an intertrochanteric support belt in a placebo position and c) not wearing a support belt at all. The mechanics of walking were assessed by measuring the ground reaction forces during the support phase of gait using a force-platform. The results obtained did not show clear differences between the walking patterns of three experimental situations; however, some tendencies were observed which led to the speculation that the intertrochanteric support belt may restrict motion in the sacroiliac joint.