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The effect of prophylactic knee bracing on performance.
G A Sforzo1, N M Chen, C A Gold
1Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Ithaca College, NY 14850.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Prophylactic knee braces do not improve athletic performance and may hinder it, particularly in female athletes. Athletes and coaches should reconsider brace use based on these findings.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Prophylactic knee bracing is commonly used by athletes to prevent injuries.
- The impact of such braces on athletic performance remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of prophylactic knee bracing on the performance of college-aged athletes.
- To determine if bracing influences measures of strength, power, and endurance.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five college athletes (25 male, 10 female) underwent performance testing with and without a dual-hinged prophylactic knee brace.
- Performance metrics included quadriceps peak torque, rise time, time to fatigue, anaerobic power, and blood lactate accumulation.
Main Results:
- Bracing did not significantly affect male football players' performance.
- Female lacrosse players exhibited inhibited overall performance when wearing the brace (P < 0.05).
- Rise time was identified as a key factor in the performance difference observed in females, though no single variable was significantly different.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic knee bracing does not enhance athletic performance and may negatively impact it in certain athletes, especially females.
- Athletes and coaches should critically evaluate the necessity and efficacy of prophylactic braces.