Abstract
Eight healthy volunteers were fitted with a supportive knee brace (Push Brace® ‘Heavy’) to one knee for a duration of four weeks wherein they were tested before,
during and after the application to establish the effect of bracing on performance.
The tests consisted of isokinetic strength measurement of knee flexion and extension,
60 meter dash, vertical jump height and a progressive horizontal treadmill test until
exhaustion (Vmax) with determination of oxygen uptake, heart rate and plasma lactate
concentration. Wearing the brace for one day, the performance indicators showed a
decline compared with the test before application (base values). Sprint time was 4%
longer (p < 0.01) and V̇max 6% slower (p < 0.01). Peak torque of knee flexion at 60
and 240 deg·sec-1 was 6%(p < 0.05) respectively 9% (p < 0.05)less. Peak extension torque at 60 deg·sec-1 was 9% less (p < 0.05). While wearing the brace for four weeks, the test performances
were practically identical to their base values. After removal of the brace, all test
parameters were statistically similar to the base values. Heart rate at submaximal
exercise levels was even lower (p < 0.05). In conclusion, performance in sports with
testlike exercise patterns is not affected by the brace tested. Bracing does not “weaken
the knee” as it is widely believed in sports practice.
Key words
Knee brace - performance - isokinetics
