Effects of prophylactic knee bracing on knee joint kinetics and kinematics during netball specific movements

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a prophylactic knee brace on knee joint kinetics and kinematics in netball specific movements. DesignRepeated measures; Setting: Laboratory; Participants: Twenty university first team level female netball players. Outcome measurementsParticipants performed three movements, run, cut and vertical jump under two conditions (brace and no-brace). 3-D knee joint kinetics and kinematics were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system. Knee joint kinetics and kinematics were examined using 2 × 3 repeated measures ANOVA whilst the subjective ratings of comfort and stability were investigated using chi-squared tests. ResultsThe results showed no differences (p > 0.05) in knee joint kinetics. However the internal/external rotation range of motion was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced when wearing the brace in all movements. The subjective ratings of stability revealed that netballers felt that the knee brace improved knee stability in all movements. ConclusionsFurther study is required to determine whether reductions in transverse plane knee range of motion serve to attenuate the risk from injury in netballers.

Effects of a Prophylactic Knee Sleeve on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading During Sport-Specific Movements

“…Prophylactic knee bracing is extensively utilized in athletic populations in order to reduce the high risk from knee injuries during training/ competition (Sinclair et al, 2017). Prophylactic knee braces are now extremely common and aim to provide protection from injury whilst also being minimally restrictive to the wearer, thus allowing full range of knee motion during their sports specific movements.…”

Effects of prophylactic knee bracing on patellar tendon loading parameters during functional sports tasks in recreational athletes

“…Knee braces are utilized extensively in both recreationally active and competitive athletes, in order to attenuate their risk from knee pathology (7). Knee braces are external devices which are designed to improve the alignment of the knee joint (8).…”

“…Recently, the effects of prophylactic knee braces on the biomechanics of the knee joint during dynamic sports tasks have received significant attention in clinical literature. Sinclair et al, (7), examined the effects of knee bracing on knee joint kinetics and kinematics in netball specific movements.…”

The effect of proprioceptive knee bracing on knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

“…This motion is often associated with ACL injury mechanisms, therefore the brace may be providing a change in movement which may help to prevent ACL re-injury. This effect of prophylactic knee bracing is supported by Sinclair et al [28] who studied similar movements on 20 female netball players, and showed that proprioceptive bracing can significantly reduce the range of motion in the transverse plane.…”