We evaluated the effects of prophylactic knee
braces on athlete speed and agility, as well as
brace tendency to migrate. Thirty college football players in full gear ran a 40-yard dash and a four-cone agility drill wearing
braces on both knees or no
brace (control).
Braces included the DonJoy Legend, Breg Tradition, OMNI-AKS 101W, McDavid Knee Guard, and models 1 and 2 of the Air Armor Knee and Thigh Protection System.
Brace migration and subjective measures were recorded after each trial. In the 40-yard dash, times using Air Armor 1 and OMNI did not differ significantly from control. Times with other
braces were significantly slower. In the four-cone drill, only the Breg times were significantly slower than control. The Air Armor 1 and McDavid
braces showed significantly less superior/inferior migration in the 40-yard dash than other
braces. In the four-cone drill, the Air Armor 1 and 2 showed significantly less superior/inferior migration than other
braces. These findings indicate that selected knee
braces do not significantly reduce speed or agility.
Braces showed a variable tendency to migrate, which could affect their protective function and athlete performance. This information will help athletes and coaches decide about knee-
brace use during sports; studies are needed regarding whether
braces protect against
knee injury. This study does not constitute an endorsement of knee-
brace use or efficacy.