Related Experiment Videos
A biomechanical analysis of two functional knee braces
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Knee braces significantly reduce harmful knee movements during running, including flexion, rotation, and varus/valgus motion. They also alter impact forces, potentially aiding in injury prevention and rehabilitation for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Knee injuries, particularly those involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are common in runners.
- Understanding the biomechanical effects of knee bracing is crucial for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of two different knee braces on running biomechanics.
- To examine ground reaction forces and knee joint movement parameters in individuals with and without knee injuries.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one subjects were divided into three groups: normal, ACL lesion/laxity, and ACL repair.
- Running trials were conducted under four conditions: healthy limb, injured limb, Generation II brace, and Marquette Knee Stabilizer brace.
- Electrogoniometry and force platforms were used to assess knee movement and ground reaction forces at a controlled pace.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between subject groups.
- Both knee braces significantly reduced knee flexion, total rotation, and varus/valgus movement during running.
- Braces altered impact by increasing collision force and impulses during the initial contact phase.
Conclusions:
- Knee bracing effectively reduces excessive knee motion during running.
- Bracing may alter impact loading, potentially influencing injury risk and rehabilitation outcomes.