Effects of Knee Brace on the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Factors during Spike Take Off in Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

In volleyball, the most common injuries are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. For this reason, volleyball players frequently use knee brace as prophylactic and rehabilitation measures. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of knee brace on anterior cruciate ligament injuries risk factors during spike take off in female volleyball players. Fifteen female volleyball players were recruited and performed randomly spike take off with and without knee brace. Kinematics and ground reaction data were collected to estimate the anterior cruciate ligament injuries risk factors. The ACL risk factors are knee maximum flexion angle, thigh maximum adduction angle, thigh maximum internal rotation angle, shank maximum abduction angle, shank maximum external rotation angle, knee maximum extension moment and knee maximum abduction moment. Data were analyzed with paired samples t-test with Bonfferoni collection. Female volleyball players with knee brace had no significant results in knee maximum flexion angle, thigh maximum adduction angle, thigh maximum internal rotation angle, shank maximum abduction angle and shank maximum external rotation angle compare to without knee brace. Female volleyball players, however, with knee brace showed more reduced knee maximum extension moment and knee maximal abduction moment than without knee brace. In conclusion, Female volleyball players with knee brace reduced anterior cruciate ligament stress.