Immediate effects of elbow orthoses on elbow proprioception in asymptomatic individuals: A randomized sham-controlled single-blinded study

Improving proprioception can reduce the risk of injuries, while its disruption may lead to injuries and recurrent or persistent symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of elbow orthoses on elbow proprioception in asymptomatic individuals. This was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded study with a sham application. Sixty participants were equally distributed into three orthosis groups (counterforce, sleeve, and sham). Proprioception was assessed using active joint position sense error (JPSE) at 70° and 110° of elbow flexion at three time points: baseline (BS), immediately after (IA) wearing the orthosis, and 30 minutes after (30MA) wearing the orthosis. Between groups: No significant difference in JPSE was observed at 70° (p = 0.095); however, there was a significant difference at 110° (p = 0.005). Between time points: At 70°, JPSE did not exhibit a significant difference (p = 0.055), whereas a significant difference was observed at 110° (p = 0.020). Interaction of time points×groups: No significant interaction was observed either at 70° (p = 0.476) or at 110° (p = 0.346). At 70°, within the sleeve group, significant differences were identified between BS-30MA (p = 0.001) and IA-30MA (p = 0.009). At 110°, in the sleeve group, significant differences were observed between BS-30MA (p = 0.007) and IA-30MA (p = 0.007). In the counterforce group, significant differences were identified between BS-30MA time points (p = 0.001). At 70°, no difference was observed within the overall evaluation in the counterforce group (p > 0.05), whereas at 110°, a significant difference was noted (p = 0.026). At both 70° and 110°, no differences were identified within the overall evaluation in the sleeve and sham groups (p > 0.05). In asymptomatic individuals, sleeve orthosis improved elbow proprioception at 70°, whereas both counterforce and sleeve orthoses were effective at 110°. •Counterforce orthosis may improve elbow proprioception.•Sleeve orthosis may improve elbow proprioception.•A 30-minute usage may be insufficient to improve proprioception significantly.•These orthoses can be employed without suppressing elbow proprioception.