Effects of prophylactic knee bracing on knee joint kinetics and kinematics during netball specific movements. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sinclair, Jonathan K.; Vincent, Hayley; Richards, Jim D.
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 23(2017)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Biomechanics -- Netball -- Knee brace -- Injury; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effects of a prophylactic knee brace on knee joint kinetics and kinematics during netball specific movements. Design: Repeated measures. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Twenty university first team level female netball players. Outcome measurements: Participants 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. Results: The 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. Conclusions: Further study is required to determine whether reductions in transverse plane knee range of motion serve to attenuate the risk from injury in netballers. Highlights: First study to look at prophylactic knee bracing in netballers. Prophylactic bracing reduced knee relative internal/external range of motion. Netballers susceptible to knee pathology may wish to use prophylactic knee bracing.