Clinical Studies
Train-Active Supports for the Management of Sport Injuries
Heinrich Hess, M.D., Saarlouis, Germany
Published in Orthopaedie-Technik, July 1985
The construction, function and indication of the Bauerfeind MalleoTrain, GenuTrain, and EpiTrain Train-Active supports are described.
The Train-Active supports series was developed to avoid disadvantages of existing supports. The design of existing supports often leads to vasoconstriction due to a lack of proximal and distal flares, or muscle atrophy and instability due to restricted movement. Also, supports that are knitted evenly and circularly without elevations generate unnecessarily high pressures at the bony prominences and have no therapeutic effect on the soft tissues of the joint.
The Train-Active supports are anatomically and three-dimensionally knit to achieve the ideal fit for the purpose of preventing venous and lymphatic blocking.
The Train-Active supports feature two-way stretch elastic which means an even pressure distribution is exerted in both directions.
Specially fabricated borders with pressure reduction flares prevent vasoconstriction.
Anatomically contoured silicone inserts are incorporated into the supports to provide support and cushioning. The inserts also provide an intermittent massage which improves blood flow and consequently increases metabolism. This increased circulation in turn promotes faster resorption of edemas, effusions, residual hematomas and other conditions.
Muscular activity and the selected design features prevent atrophy of the musculature.
In the MalleoTrain support, the embedded silicone insert supports the ankle joint anteriorly as well as the Achilles tendon mediolaterally.
The silicone insert in the GenuTrain knee support leaves the patella free and compresses the soft tissue regions, predominantly the proximal recesses and the infrapatellar fat pad.
The EpiTrain elbow support has a silicone insert that cushions bony prominences and build up over soft tissues and simultaneously delivers an intermittent pressure effect upon the radial and ulnar muscle and tendinous transition range producing the desired therapeutic effect for epicondylitis.
Numerous clinical large scale tests have subjectively shown the efficiency of the Train-Active series. These supports are important healing aids in the treatment of chronically irritated joint conditions and in the treatment of sporting and other injuries because they support the active exercise treatment to ensure a more speedy regeneration of joint function.
