The effects of knee bracing on reactive agility performance among healthy soccer players – a pilot study

Abstract

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. The increase in the sport’s popularity is paralleled with an increased prevalence of knee injuries. Knee braces are commonly worn in athletic populations to prevent knee injuries. The biomechanics of wearing knee bracing have been well documented, with studies showing reduced vertical ground reaction forces. One concern with wearing knee braces, however, has been the possible effect on sports performance, the research examining this topic has been confounding. Some studies have shown that agility time has improved during an agility T-test, while others have shown no change in agility time. To date, no studies have examined the effects of knee bracing on reactive agility performance. The measurement of neuromuscular activity is known as electromyography. Electromyography is also another area of interest with regards to sport performance. To date, there is limited research on the effect of the application of a knee brace on the electromyography of various lower extremity muscles during cutting maneuvers. More specifically, no studies have explored the effect that knee braces may have on the peak muscular activation on the gluteus medius during an agility task. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine differences between braced and non-braced soccer players on measures of reactive agility time (s), and EMG activity (% MVC) of the GM, BF, and VL during the acceleration and change of direction phases of the Y-shaped reactive agility test. [...]