Abstract
Aim
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of plaster/splint immobilisation of the knee/ankle on driving performance in healthy individuals.
Methods & Materials
Twenty-three healthy drivers performed a series of emergency brake tests in a driving simulator having applied above knee plaster casts, below knee plaster casts, or a knee brace with increasing restriction.
Results
Our study showed that compared to braking normally, total brake reaction time was significantly longer when wearing an above knee plaster cast, below knee plaster cast or a knee brace with zero degrees of freedom (p<0.001). Increases in movement time from accelerator to brake accounted for some of the increase in the total brake reaction time. However, unexpectedly thinking time also increased with the level of restriction (p<0.001).
Conclusion
These results suggest that all patients wearing a plaster cast or knee brace are significantly impaired in their ability to perform an emergency stop. We suggest changes to the legislation that prevents patients driving with lower limb plaster casts or knee braces.
