| Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the DonJoy Drytex Wraparound Playmaker(TM) functional knee brace on the balance and proprioception, velocity, and agility of uninjured female athletes.; Methods. Subjects were required to perform a 40-yard dash, a T-test for agility, and a test protocol on the Biodex(TM) Balance System while wearing a DonJoy Drytex Wraparound Playmaker(TM) functional knee brace. The test was repeated in an unbraced condition to serve as a control. Tests were assigned in random order.; Conclusion. The results of this study showed no significant difference in athletic performance, as measured by balance and proprioception, velocity, and agility, while wearing a knee brace as compared to no knee brace. All data was analyzed at the 0.05 level. The researcher concluded that the DonJoy Drytex Wraparound Playmaker(TM) functional knee brace did not negatively affect athletic performance. This research suggests that altered performance in athletes wearing the DonJoy Drytex Wraparound Playmaker(TM) is due to the knee injury and is not due to the knee brace. |
