MUSCULAR ACTIVITY IN COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL LINEMEN WITH AND WITHOUT A PREFABRICATED FUNCTIONAL KNEE BRACE

Abstract

Functional knee braces are commonly used in the athletic realm in an attempt to prevent initial and reoccurring injuries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate muscular activity in collegiate football linemen during sport specific skills (3 point stance, lateral cutting maneuver, and drop jump). Ground Reaction force (GRF) and muscular activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings were analyzed to determine the impact of wearing a knee brace. Results showed no differences in the GRF or muscular activity of the quadriceps during any of the skills. The hamstring showed increased activity during the drop jump only. In conclusion, functional knee braces do not appear to negatively impact muscular activity during football specific drills.