EFFICACY OF FUNCTIONAL KNEE BRACES IN SPORT: A REVIEW

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to review previously published studies on functional knee braces in an attempt to understand their functionality. A better comprehension of the effects of functional knee bracing could assist ACL-deficient athletes in deciding whether or not these devices could be beneficial in supporting their unstable knee joint during sports. Results showed that functional knee braces alter knee joint kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity. Their mechanism of action, however, might be attributed to the modification of proprioception and motor patterns of the lower limb rather than their mechanical stabilizing effect.